Make E-Filing Work for You
| Q. | Is |
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| A. | Not this year. You have two extra days this year because |
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| Q. | Do I have to make that mad rush to the post office to mail my tax return by midnight on |
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| A. |
Not if you e-file. The |
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| Q. | What does it cost to file my return online? | |
| A. |
There is no charge to use |
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| Q. | What do I do if I can’t file by the |
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| A. |
Individuals who need additional time should submit a request for an extension by filing |
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| Q. | |
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| A. |
Yes. Or, request an extension by mailing by midnight on |
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| Q. | How will I know if my request for an extension has been approved? | |
| A. |
Filing a Form 4868 on time and in accordance with all |
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| Q. | How complicated is Form 4868? Will I be able to fill it out myself? | |
| A. |
Form 4868 is very short, only asks for basic contact information and requires that you estimate what your taxes are for 2011. If you prefer, your certified public accountant can file the form on your behalf or answer any questions you may have. |
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| Q. | Why am I required to estimate my taxes if I’m requesting an extension? | |
| A. |
Correctly filing Form 4868 only extends the date by which you have to submit your tax return. It does not delay the requirement to pay your taxes by |
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| Q. | What if I request an extension but think I’ll be getting a refund? | |
| A. |
If you are expecting a refund, you don’t need to do anything other than file Form 4868. However, you will not receive a refund until you have filed your tax return. |
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| Q. | Does filing Form 4868 also give me an extension on the deadline for submitting my state income tax forms? | |
| A. | It depends. Each state has different rules. Be sure to check your state’s filing requirements for requesting an extension. | |
For help getting started preparing your tax return, check the tips on the AICPA’s 360 Degrees of Taxes website, a public service site to assist taxpayers year-round with tax filing questions and tax planning, and tax saving strategies. And, if you’re hiring a tax preparer, become an informed consumer by reading “Facts to Know When Choosing a Tax Preparer” on the 360Taxes.org website.
About the AICPA
The
The AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for audits of private companies, non-profit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination and offers specialty credentials for CPAs who concentrate on personal financial planning; fraud and forensics; business valuation; and information technology. Through a joint venture with the
The AICPA maintains offices in
stwillman@aicpa.org
Source:
| Copyright: | Copyright Business Wire 2012 |
| Source: | Business Wire, Inc. |
| Wordcount: | 830 |
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