Last-minute filing tips, resources available to help taxpayers who still need to file

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Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) The Internal Revenue Service reminds last-minute tax filers that the April 15 tax deadline is this week. The IRS encourages those who still need to file to use free tools and resources on IRS.gov to file on time or request an extension. According to a recent release from the IRS, here are some tips they offer to file your taxes and resources to do so:

From refund status and getting tax preparation assistance to researching tax law and finding answers to frequently asked questions, IRS.gov offers resources to help individuals and businesses meet the deadline.
For last-minute filers looking for free filing resources, IRS Free File remains an option for qualified taxpayers to file their return.
Taxpayers with questions about the new tax provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill can find eligibility information and guidance on IRS.gov. The site also offers tools to help taxpayers understand how these changes could affect their tax return.

Key IRS.gov resources

IRS.gov/ITA Click here to access it. The Interactive Tax Assistant asks a series of questions and provides answers on a variety of tax topics based on the taxpayer’s responses.
Forms and Instructions Click here to access this. Find forms, instructions, and publications that reflect the latest tax changes, along with interactive links for additional help. This includes the new Schedule 1-A, Additional Deductions, used to claim tax deductions related to four major OBBB provisions.
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax Click here to access this. This publication explains tax law to help ensure taxpayers pay only the tax they owe.

Get personalized account services and faster refunds

IRS Individual Online Account by clicking here. Access tax information 24/7 through a secure IRS Individual Online Account. Taxpayers can view tax account information and transcripts, interact with the IRS, and manage payments, refunds, and communications.
Direct Deposit by clicking here. The fastest way to receive a refund. The IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks and encourages taxpayers to choose direct deposit.

Get an extension to file

Taxpayers who cannot file their return by April 15 should request an extension by clicking here by that date to avoid a failure to file penalty. An approved extension gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to submit their return. However, any tax owed is still due by April 15. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. All taxpayers can also use IRS Free File by clicking here to request an extension electronically.

Some taxpayers qualify for automatic extensions

U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad
Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico. Those serving in combat zones have at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due. Details are available in Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide by clicking here.
Taxpayers residing in a federally declared disaster area.

Taxpayers who do not qualify for an automatic extension can request one by the April 15 deadline. They should still pay as much as they can by the deadline to minimize interest and penalties.

Having trouble paying? IRS has options

Taxpayers who owe taxes have several payment options.

Those unable to pay in full by April 15 may qualify for online payment plans, including short- and long-term installment agreements. The IRS urges taxpayers to file their tax return and pay what they can, even if they cannot pay the full amount owed.

Interest and late-payment penalties will continue to accrue on unpaid balances after April 15. However, the failure to pay penalty is reduced by half while an installment agreement is in effect. More information is available on IRS.gov under About Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request by clicking here.

Taxpayers can find these resources and more on the Let Us Help You section of IRS.gov by clicking here, which provides quick access to filing assistance, refund information, payment options, and answers to common questions.