Procrastinators have a day of grace to get their federal taxes filed. The usual April fifteenth deadline has been pushed back because it falls on a Sunday, and back another day because today is Emancipation Day. That newly-created holiday in the District of Columbia must be observed nationwide according to tax codes.
Internal Revenue Service Spokesman Christopher Miller says that’s why your federal income taxes must be in the mail by midnight Tuesday. He says for last-minute filers, e-filing offers a safe, accurate and fast option. It’ll also give you an acknowledgment that your return has been delivered and Miller says it’s harder to make a mistake. Miller also says taxpayers should take advantage of all the tax benefits and services offered this year.
The telephone excise-tax refund, the "free file" option, the Earned Income tax Credit, free tax help available through volunteer centers, and unclaimed refunds — if you haven’t filed a tax return for tax year 2003 Miller says "you might want to think about that." Also, for those who think they might not make the deadline, Miller says you can file an extension as long as it’s postmarked by midnight tomorrow. He says, however, there are some things to keep in mind when filing an extension.
It’s really easy to do, he says — just get form 48-38 from the IRS website on the Internet or at your local post office. Fill it out and you’ll get until October 15 to file your taxes. He says the important part to remember is that the request for more time has to be filed on time — by April 17.
"An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay." Miller says if you owe the government, you’ll have to send your money in along with the request for the filing extension.
Iowa state income taxes are due on the last day of this month.
More information on state taxes.