IRS tax payment: tips on how to pay online before 15 July deadline
The Internal Revenue Service is providing tips on how to file, pay and get check refunds online as the 2019 tax returns and payments deadline approaches.
In the US 15 April is the annual due date to complete your tax returns but due to the coronavirus pandemic the Internal Revenue Service extended this year's deadline to 15 July. The 2019 tax returns and payments are due for filing on Wednesday before 23:59 and the IRS has made it clear there will be no further extensions even though many states are locking down for a second time due to a recent spike in new Covid-19 cases.
There are some exemptions such as members of the military who are serving overseas and may be awarded more time to file and those who request an extension have until 15 October, 2020 to do their taxes but they could face some penalties for doing so.
As the due date approaches the IRS is recommending taxpayers complete the process online. Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit remains the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a rebate. Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as the tax software completes all the necessary calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers to provide missing information.
IRS Tax Day: common errors to avoid:
- Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers. Enter each name and SSN exactly as printed on the Social Security card.
- Incorrect filing status. The Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov can help taxpayers choose the correct status. Tax software also helps prevent these mistakes.
- Math errors. Tax preparation software does all the math automatically. Math errors are common on paper returns.
- Figuring credits or deductions incorrectly. Taxpayers should follow the instructions carefully, and double check the information they enter when filing electronically. The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant can help determine if a taxpayer is eligible for certain tax credits.
- Unsigned returns. Both spouses must sign if filing jointly. Taxpayers can avoid this error by filing their return electronically and digitally signing it. Exceptions may apply for military families if a spouse is serving overseas.
- Filing with an expired individual taxpayer identification number.
The IRS is processing electronic and paper tax returns and issuing rebates with most being paid out in less than 21 days. Taxpayers who mailed a tax return will experience a longer wait time. There is no need to mail a second tax return or call the IRS.
Filers can also visit the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ page on the IRS website to check the status of a refund. All that is needed to use Where's My Refund? is the taxpayer's Social Security number, tax filing status and exact amount of the tax refund claimed on the 2019 tax return. It is updated no more than once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so there's no need to check the status more often than that.