IRS Offers Last-minute Tax Help

Many of us will be spending at least part of this weekend pulling our tax returns together in order to get them mailed or e-filed by the Monday deadline.

That’s one reason why the Internal Revenue Service is offering taxpayers some last –minute tips to make sure returns are filed correctly.

IRS spokesman Mark Green says people first need to remember that while the deadline is Monday, there is still time this weekend to get everything done and IRS phone lines are open.

“Don’t panic,” said Green. “You still have time. There are many options out there. The IRS will be available to help you with your tax questions.”

The IRS encourages people who have not done so to file electronically.  An electronic return is less prone to errors than a paper return.   In addition electronic returns also offers a faster refund time and confirmation within 48 hours that the IRS has accepted the tax return.

But for those who still prefer to fill out a paper return, Green says it is important to make sure everything is right before you drop that return in the mail.

“To cut down on errors, re-check your identification numbers, make sure all Social Security numbers are listed on there, make sure you double-check your math calculations,” said Green. “In addition, if there is a joint return and only one party works, we still need both signatures on that tax return.”

For those who will not have things ready to file by Monday, Green says that taxpayers do have the option of filing for an extension, which gives a person until October 15 to file their return.

And for those taxpayers who are having trouble paying their tax bill, Green said it’s important to get in touch with the IRS as soon as possible.   He says talking to the IRS now will help you avoid problems later.

“That is probably one of the biggest pitfalls that taxpayers have incurred because when there is a tax liability, some taxpayers tend to push that to the side, thinking it will go away, and it does not,” said Green. “Communicate with us. Request an installment agreement. Give us a call to work out a payment arrangement.”

And if you are one of the more than 30,000 Georgians due a refund from 2009, you have until midnight Monday to file a return.

For more information on tax-related issues, you can contact the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040 or go online to www.irs.gov.