By HDN Staff
The deadline for filing taxes is midnight on Monday, April 17, this year, since the traditional April 15 date is on the weekend.
While this gives filers a couple more days, don't wait 'til the last minute to file.
Tax preparers are already backlogged, and some said they have been for months already. If you wait to the last minute, you might have trouble finding anyone with the time to prepare your return. Even if they can do it, if they have to rush, you'll have a rush job. Anyone can do a better job if they have time to do it right.
There can also be problems if you find out at the last minute that you're missing some information and records. The IRS won't be very sympathetic if you find out too late that you still need to get some records. As far as they're concerned, late is late.
Be cautious of planning to use an extension to get more time. The extensions are only for filing, any payment due has to be postmarked April 17 whether you get an extension or not.
If you can't pay the full amount, you can apply for a payment plan, where the total due doesn't have to be paid by April 17. There are extra fees involved, though.
The post office will be open until 7 p.m. on April 17. They will be collecting and postmarking mail at the drive up mailboxes and the drop slots inside the post office until midnight.
The collection boxes at other areas in town won't be picked up after 5 p.m. Care must also be used in putting postage on returns. The average return takes 55 cents instead of 33 cents. The postal rates are 33 cents for the first ounce, and 22 cents for each additional ounce.
The IRS will not pay postage due, or grant extensions because you didn't mail your return in time. If you are late for any reason, you can be charged interest and additional late fees on any taxes due.
Be sure to get your returns in on time, correctly filled out. Don't wait to the last minute, or you could regret it.
For more information, see the Hi-Line Living page in this edition of The Havre Daily News.
