IRS will offer in person support as the federal deadline approaches
With just over a week left to file a tax return in the US, a nationwide extension is not expected. However, options are available for those who need one.
For the vast majority of taxpayers in the US, taxes are due on Monday 18 April.
The IRS marks a return as “filed on time” so long as “the envelope is properly addressed, postmarked, and deposited in the mail by the due date.” For those that file electronically, the return must be submitted through the online portal by midnight on the deadline.
While some taxpayers who have been impacted by a natural disaster have been offered a filing extension, they are easily available to almost everyone. In order to obtain one, a taxpayer must submit Form 4868. This will allow people to extend their filing deadline to 15 October. This can be done each year and in the case when “October 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next business day.” This year 15 October falls on a Saturday meaning the deadline will be pushed back to Monday 17 October.
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Looking for support paying your taxes?
For the first time in two years, the IRS will be available to provide support to taxpayers in person. The tax agency will be establishing Taxpayer Assistance Centers around the country on Saturday 9 April.
“We designed these extra weekend hours to make it easier for taxpayers to resolve an issue, inquire about their account or work with the IRS if they have an obligation they cannot meet. Whatever the case, face-to-face help will be available on this special day without an appointment,” said IRS Wage & Investment Division Commissioner and Taxpayer Experience Officer Ken Corbin.
The pandemic has limited the tax authority’s agency’s ability to support taxpayers and many, especially those who will not be able to file electronically, are looking forward to seeing in-person support return.
Locations where these centers can be found on the IRS website. In order to ensure that you can be assisted, the IRS recommends that taxpayers bring “Current government-issued photo identification,” Social Security cards and/or ITINs for members of their household, including spouse and dependents (if applicable),” and “Any IRS letters or notices received and related tax and financial documents.”
Will a federal extension be announced?
Unlike the past two years, a federal extension of the tax filing deadline is not expected.
In 2020, the IRS pushed back the deadline because of the chaos for households brought on by the covid-19 pandemic.
In 2021, an extension was announced because of the American Rescue Plan which made significant changes to the US tax code. The IRS had to adapt its formulas and operations to provide taxpayers with accurate refunds and gave taxpayers more time to compile and provide all the information needed to claim new credits and benefits.
This year, the government is hoping to get back on track and has not passed any legislation that the IRS needs more time to adjust to.