CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Tick tock, time is running out! Tuesday is the deadline to file your state and federal taxes. You have until midnight to file electronically or to have your envelope stamped by the U.S. Postal Service.
IRS spokesperson Mark Hanson said about two-thirds of Americans will get money back this year.
“Taxpayers can expect if they’ve filed their federal income tax return electronically and use direct deposit for their refund, you can expect to get your money in about 10 to 21 days,” said Hanson.
If you filed a paper return, the check will arrive anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.
There aren’t as many procrastinators out there as some might expect. About 20 percent of Americans wait until April to file those taxes.
For those who haven’t filed, don’t panic. You can log on to www.irs.gov.
“You can get all the information you need there for filing your federal income tax return or filing for your automatic six-month extension, if you need more time,” according to Hanson.
He stressed it is imperative that those who can’t come up with the cash to file on time they need to do three things.
“Their first step should be to make sure they file their federal income tax return or file for an automatic six-month extension. By filing the return or filing the extension you avoid the failure to file penalty,” said Hanson.
The next must-do is pay as much of that tax debt as possible. For those who can’t shell out the full amount, paying as much as you can by the deadline will mean a smaller penalty down the road.
Hanson said the person filing late must show some initiative.
“The taxpayer has to take the first step to get in touch with the IRS so that we know their circumstances and can work with them,” he said.
IRS information is available at 1-800-829-1040.