Action Line: Tax-filing extensions expire Oct. 15
BY PHIL MULKINS World Action Line Editor
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
10/09/12 at 7:13 AM
Dear Action Line: When is the October deadline for filing income tax returns for people who got filing extensions in April? - L.T., Tulsa.
It's Oct. 15. and the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers whose tax-filing extension runs out on that date to double check their returns for often-overlooked tax benefits and errors, said David Stell, IRS spokesman for Arkansas & Oklahoma. "This reminder is for those who filed extension requests on or before April 17, rather than their federal income tax returns."
Over 119,000 of the 11 million extension requests filed by taxpayers nationally were filed by Oklahomans.
"We also want those facing this deadline to use e-file electronic tax filing or FreeFile free electronic tax filing, both the online software version and the fillable-forms version," Stell said.
See the IRS "Filing" page - tulsaworld.com/IRSFiling - covering four e-filing options: e-file, e-file with FreeFile Fillable Forms, e-file with commercial tax software and e-file through paid tax preparer.
Many of the more than 11 million taxpayers who requested an automatic six-month extension using IRS Form 4868 this year have yet to file. Though Oct. 15 is the last day for most people, some still have more time, including members of the military and others serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or other combat zones - tulsaworld.com/IRSsoldierextension - who typically have until at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to both file returns and pay any taxes due. People with extensions in parts of Louisiana and Mississippi affected by Hurricane Isaac also have until Jan. 11, 2013, to file and pay.
Tax Benefits: Before filing, IRS encourages taxpayers to see if they qualify for these and other often-overlooked credits and deductions. For benefits for low- and moderate-income workers and families, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit, see tulsaworld.com/EITC
American Opportunity Tax Credit, claimed on Form 8863 tulsaworld.com/IRSForm8863 and other education tax benefits tulsaworld.com/IRSTaxben4Edu for parents and college students.
Original Print Headline: Tax-filing extensions expire Oct. 15
Submit Action Line questions by calling 918-699-8888, emailing phil.mulkins@TulsaWorld.com or by mailing them to Tulsa World Action Line, P.O. Box 1770, Tulsa, OK 74102-1770.
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