IRS Tax Tip 2019-95, July 18, 2019
The deadline for taxpayers who requested an extension to file is going to be here before they know it. The deadline for these filers to submit their 2018 tax returns is Tuesday, October 15, 2019. Taxpayers who have not yet filed can find many helpful resources on IRS.gov. Here are a few of them:
IRS Free File
Taxpayers with yearly income of $66,000 or less can file using free brand-name tax software. Those who earned more can use Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. Either way, everyone has a free e-file option. Filing electronically is the easiest, safest and most accurate way to file taxes.
Interactive Tax Assistant and IRS Tax Map
These tools can answer many common tax questions.
Directory of Tax Return Preparers
For taxpayers who don’t want to do their own taxes, this tool can help find a tax professional in their area.
Where’s My Refund?
Taxpayers can check the status of their refund within 24 hours after the IRS has received their e-filed return. Those who file a paper return can check the refund status four weeks after mailing it. Once the IRS approves a refund, this tool will give the taxpayer a date by which to expect it. The IRS updates refund statuses once a day.
Taxpayers can also find helpful information on their smart phones through the IRS2Go app.
Taxpayers can file earlier but should file by October 15 to avoid a potential late filing penalty. Penalties and interest might apply if taxpayers owe taxes and do not pay in a timely manner. The IRS offers a variety of ways for taxpayers to pay their taxes, including IRS Direct Pay.