Tax Tip 2018-156: Heads up for taxpayers who requested an extension: The deadline is Oct 15

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent this bulletin at 10/09/2018 12:05 PM EDT

IRS Tax Tips

October 9, 2018

Issue Number: Tax Tip 2018-156

Heads up for taxpayers who requested an extension: The deadline is Oct 15

October 15 is the filing deadline for taxpayers who requested an extension for their 2017 tax return. However, those who have an extension should mark this coming Monday, Oct. 15 as the deadline to file.

While the deadline is just around the corner, there are still things these taxpayers can remember to make sure they file a complete and accurate return. Here are a few tips and reminders for taxpayers who have not yet filed:

Try IRS Free File or e-file. Taxpayers can e-file their tax return for free through IRS Free File. The program is available on IRS.gov through Oct. 15. IRS e-file is easy, safe and the most accurate way to file taxes.

File by Oct. 15. Taxpayers with extensions should file their tax returns by Monday, Oct. 15. If they owe, they should pay as much as possible to reduce interest and penalties. IRS Direct Pay allows individuals to securely pay from their checking or savings accounts. These taxpayers can consider an installment agreement, which allows them to pay over time.

There is more time for the military. Military members and those serving in a combat zone generally get more time to file. These taxpayers typically have until at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to both file returns and pay any taxes due.

There is also more time in certain disaster areas. People who have an extension and live or work in a disaster area often have more time to file. The disaster relief page on IRS.gov has more information.

Taxpayers owed a refund should use Direct Deposit. The fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund is to combine direct deposit and e-file.

There are IRS online payment options for taxpayers who owe. Taxpayers who requested an extension should have paid the tax they owed by the deadline back in April. Taxpayers who find they still owe taxes can pay them with IRS Direct Pay. It’s the simple, quick and free way to pay from a checking or savings account. For other payment options, taxpayers can visit the Paying Your Taxes page on IRS.gov.

Keep a copy of tax return. Taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return and all supporting documents for at least three years.

Taxpayers can view their account information. Individual taxpayers can go to IRS.gov/account and login to view their balance, payment history, pay their taxes and access tax records through Get Transcript. Before setting up an account, taxpayers should review Secure Access: How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools to make sure they have the information needed to verify their identities.

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Tax Tip 2018-156: Heads up for taxpayers who requested an extension: The deadline is Oct 15

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2018-156