Deadline Approaching To File Taxes

taxes54-2
taxes54-2

If you’re one of the thousands who have held off until this week to wrap up your taxes for 2016, don’t fret. IRS spokesman Luis Garcia from their field office in Detroit tells WSJM News you can request an extension, and it’s automatic.

“You don’t have to give us a reason, you just have to request it,” says Garcia. You fill out IRS Form 4868, which Garcia says can be done right from irs.gov. “It gives you an automatic six months to get all your paperwork together and file that return.”

The deadline to file is 11:59 p.m. April 18. That’s due to the 15th falling on the weekend, and the 17th being a holiday in Washington, DC. Garcia notes the extension will not put off paying the IRS what you owe, if you do owe money. However, he adds the majority of those seeking an extension are getting refunds and just need extra time to get all their paperwork together. If you don’t file, there are steep penalties and fees of up to 25% of the total amount due. Garcia says if you owe, and file the extension, the failure to pay penalty is up to 5%, and they have programs available to help you with payment plans to a manageable amount.