Last Chance: Tax Deadline is April 17

This year's deadline to file taxes is Tuesday, April 17 and if you haven't done so yet, you better get on it!

Here are a few last-minute tips to assist you if you're up against the clock to get your federal taxes done:

• Taxpayers seeking last-minute help can access several self-help tools on the IRS website to make filing taxes easier. IRS.gov is "open" 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• 1040 Central is a comprehensive source for individual income tax information.
• Interactive Tax Assistant is a tax law resource that guides taxpayers through a series of questions and provides responses on credits, deductions and general filing questions.
• The 2012 Filing Season Tax Tips provide a wealth of information and links to help taxpayers meet the deadline.

Here are a few of the available tax tips covering some of the most common taxpayer questions:

• Not sure if you have to file a tax return?  Your age, income, marital status all make a difference -  See IRS Tax Tip 2012-02 – Do I Need to File a Tax Return This Year?

Want to know more about filing electronically?

• Electronic filing is no longer the exception, it’s the norm - See IRS Tax Tip 2012-10 – IRS Offers Several Reasons to File Your Return Electronically.
• Want to file your return electronically for FREE? Free File on IRS.gov is always open - See IRS Tax Tip 2012-11 – Everyone is Eligible to Free File!

Can’t pay or need an installment agreement?

• File on time and the IRS may be able to grant more time to pay - See IRS Tax Tip 2012-64 – Tips for Taxpayers Who Can’t Pay Their Taxes on Time.

Need a form or publication? 

• No need to call, download it from IRS.gov - See IRS Tax Tip 2012-04 – Four Ways to Get IRS Forms and Publications.

Did you know the IRS uses social media to educate taxpayers?

• Let these social media tools from the IRS help you navigate last minute tax-time tasks – See IRS Tax Tip 2012-55 – IRS Social Media Tools Help at Tax Deadline.

What other information is available on the IRS website?

• Need to know more? - See IRS Tax Tip 2012-05 – Top 10 Helpful Features on the IRS website.

What to do if you can't file on time?

Even though the tax filing deadline is later than usual this year – Tuesday, April 17 – many taxpayers may still need more time to file their tax return. If you’re one of them, you can get an automatic six-month extension of time to file from the

Here are seven important things you need to know about filing an extension:

1. File on time even if you can’t pay. If you completed your return but you are unable to pay the full amount of tax due, do not request an extension. File your return on time and pay as much as you can. To pay the balance, apply online for a payment plan using the Online Payment Agreement application at www.irs.gov or send Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, with your return. If you are unable to make payments, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to discuss your options.
2. Extra time to file, but not pay. An extension will give you extra time to get your paperwork to the IRS, but it does not extend the time you have to pay any tax due. You will owe interest on any amount not paid by the April 17 deadline, plus you may owe penalties.
3. Form to file. Request an extension to file by submitting Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return to the IRS. It must be postmarked by April 17, 2012. You also can make an extension-related electronic credit card payment. For more information about extension-related credit card payments, see Form 4868.
4. E-file extension. You can e-file an extension request using tax preparation software with your own computer or by going to a tax preparer who has the software. You must e-file the request by midnight on April 17, 2012. The IRS will acknowledge receipt of the extension request if you e-file your extension.
5. Traditional Free File and Free File Fillable Forms. You can use both Free File options to file an extension.
6. Electronic funds withdrawal. If you ask for an extension via one of the electronic methods, you can also pay any expected balance due by authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal from a checking or savings account. You will need the appropriate bank routing and account numbers. For information about these and other methods of payment, visit the IRS website or call 800-TAX-1040 (800-829-1040).
7. How to get forms. Form 4868 is available for download from the IRS website or you can pick up the form at your local IRS office.