IRS Urges Taxpayers To e-file Extension Requests by April 15 Filing Deadline
The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers who need additional time to complete their tax returns to submit their requests for an automatic extension electronically by April 15. E-filing a request for an extension is convenient, safe and secure, and taxpayers receive confirmation to keep with their records.
The extension gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file the tax return. An extension does not give the taxpayer an extension of time to pay. Those who owe taxes can make a payment when they file the extension either by mailing a check or by several electronic payment methods, such as electronic funds withdrawals from bank accounts and credit card payments.
Some taxpayers can wait until after April 15 to file a return, pay any taxes due and make IRA contributions for 2007. As a general rule, those eligible get the extra time without having to ask for it. Eligible taxpayers include:
- Members of the military serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or other combat zone localities. Normally, the postponement is until 180 days after the service member leaves the combat zone.
- Disaster-area taxpayers in four states affected by recent floods, storms and tornadoes. The postponement is until May 6 in parts of Illinois, May 19 in parts of Georgia and parts of Missouri and May 27 in parts of Arkansas.
Taxpayers can get an automatic six-month extension of time to file their tax returns by filing Form 4868, Automatic Extension of Time to File.
It is also important for extension filers to remember that Oct, 15 is not only the due date for their tax returns, it is also the last date on which a return can be filed that will result in an economic stimulus payment. Taxpayers who file earlier, however, will get their economic stimulus payments sooner.
Taxpayers can e-file the extension from a home computer or through a tax professional who uses e-file. Taxpayers can e-file their extensions at no cost. Some companies offer free e-filing of extensions through Free File.
|
2008 FILING SEASON STATISTICS |
|||||
|
Cumulative through the weeks ending 3/30/07 and 3/28/08 |
|||||
| Individual Income Tax Returns |
2007 |
2008 |
% Change |
||
| Total Receipts |
80,800,000 |
86,817,000 |
7.4% |
||
| Total Processed |
77,171,000 |
81,644,000 |
5.8% |
||
| E-filing Receipts: | |||||
| TOTAL |
56,994,000 |
62,237,000 |
9.2% |
||
| Tax Professionals |
40,910,000 |
43,366,000 |
6.0% |
||
| Self-prepared |
16,084,000 |
18,870,000 |
17.3% |
||
| Web Usage: | |||||
| Visits to IRS.gov |
102,190,000 |
121,714,000 |
19.1% |
||
| Total Refunds: | |||||
| Number |
68,274,000 |
69,823,000 |
2.3% |
||
| Amount |
$163.432 |
Billion |
$172.017 |
Billion |
5.3% |
| Average refund |
$2,394 |
$2,464 |
2.9% |
||
| Direct Deposit Refunds: | |||||
| Number |
47,339,000 |
50,788,000 |
7.3% |
||
| Amount |
$130.331 |
Billion |
$140.216 |
Billion |
7.6% |
| Average refund |
$2,753 |
$2,761 |
0.3% |
||
Other Usefull Tax Articles
- IRS Increases Mileage Rates through Dec. 31, 2008
- IRS Explains How Manufacturers, Purchasers Can Take Advantage of Tax Credit for Fuel Cell Vehicles
- Form 4136 Revised; Some Farmers, Fishermen Have Until March 10 to E-File, IRS Says
- Credit for Honda Hybrids Begins to Phase-Out
- Facts about the 2008 Stimulus Payments
Most Viewed Articles
- 50 Tax Deductions You Should Remember
- IRS Mileage Reimbursement Rate 2011
- Why Hire A Huntsville Alabama Accounting Firm
- Are Interest on Payday Loans Or Cash Advance Loans tax Deductible
- How To Renew Alabama Business And Vehicle License Online
- What Documents You Will Need To File Your Tax Return
- Can I File Taxes Using My Pay stub LES
- New IRS business mileage rate deduction 2009
