When, How, And Where To File Your Taxes

Even taxpayers who have successfully filed their taxes in the past could find themselves facing unfamiliar issues, delayed refunds, or improperly assessed penalties. To help, we have included a few general tips about when, how, and where to file your taxes. These are, however, are only basic guidelines that may not account for a person’s specific circumstances, so if you have tax-related questions or concerns, you should still consider reaching out to an experienced Florida tax return preparation lawyer for help.

When to File

Determining when to file one’s taxes isn’t as simple as it may seem. The tax year for calendar year filers, for instance, ends on December 31st and the deadline for filing a tax return for that year is April 15th. If, however, a taxpayer uses a fiscal year, his or her return will be due by the 15th day of the fourth month after the end of that fiscal year. This year, the rules are even more complicated, as the federal government moved the filing deadline from April to May 17th. A taxpayer may also qualify for another extension if he or she serves in the Armed Forces in a combat zone, or was affected by a presidentially declared disaster. Even taxpayers who don’t fall into either of these categories are eligible for an automatic six month extension, as long as they file Form 4868 before the deadline.

How to File

Filing taxes electronically has become increasingly popular in recent years, as taxpayers tend to receive their refunds more quickly this way, often within three weeks of receipt. Taxpayers who opt instead to file a paper return can do so by mailing their returns and accompanying documentation to the IRS. Processing paper tax returns can, however, take up to eight weeks. When paying off a tax balance, taxpayers also have the option of doing so electronically through IRS Direct Pay, or by enclosing a check or money order with their returns. Checks should be made payable to the United States Treasury and should include the tax year, the type of form being filed, as well as the payor’s name, address, taxpayer identification number, and phone number. Taxpayers should never mail cash with their returns.

Where to File

Taxpayers who e-file their returns don’t need to worry about where to send them, as they will be submitted electronically. Those who submit paper returns, on the other hand, will need to send them to the address indicated on the forms. This address will vary depending on the state, filing status, and specific forms being submitted.

Schedule a One-on-One Case Review Today

This year’s tax season has proven to be especially stressful and complicated, with many taxpayers suffering from COVID-19, or residing in a federally declared disaster area. For help with your own tax-related questions or concerns, please call experienced Florida tax return preparation attorney Ronald Cutler, P.A. You can set up a free consultation by calling 386-490-9949 today or by sending us an online message.

Resource:

irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline