IRS: Avoid these common last-minute filing mistakes

“Due to this federal holiday in the District of Columbia, it pushes the filing due date to the next business day, which happens to be Monday, April 18“, said Bill Brunson of the IRS.

On that day in 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the act that freed more that 3,000 slaves in Washington D.C. However, because April 16, 2016, falls on a Saturday, it is celebrated on the closest weekday, which is Friday April 15.

Once you’ve filed your completed IRS tax extension form, you’ll automatically get the six-month extension to file your IRS tax return.

Get and fill out IRS extension Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This is due to IRS offices being closed on Patriots’ Day, and since taxpayers are allowed to hand-deliver their returns to local offices, their deadline has been extended, whether filing by snail mail, e-file or dropping off their forms.

If that’s still not enough time, the IRS makes it fairly easy to get an extension.

For taxpayers who owe the IRS money, there is IRS Direct Pay and several other e-payment options.

Did you get your all your taxes done yet, HollywoodLifers!?

Your tax returns must be received electronically or postmarked by midnight, April 18. Extensions can be a good idea if taxpayers receive necessary forms late, said Melissa M. Labant, director of tax advocacy with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

“If you have the ability to file now before April 18th, don’t just put it off”.

You’ll face a late penalty for not paying if you owe, but Slaughter says you can avoid one setback.

For taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their returns, the IRS has this advice: don’t panic.

“You’re drawing attention to your return”, he said, “and that’s the last thing you want to do”.

Senator Charles Schumer says more than 57,000 New Yorkers have not filed their 2012 tax refunds. It can help you with many tax questions, such as whether you need to file a tax return, or how to choose your filing status.

Green said that taxpayers affected by severe storms in recent weeks have an extra four weeks – until May 16 – to file taxes.