Today, April 18, is the date your income-tax return has to be submitted electronically or postmarked to be considered on time by the IRS.
If you need more time to prepare your federal tax return, you can file for an extension. However, extensions are only for filing the paperwork, not the tax payments you owe. You still need to have your payment postmarked by April 18 in order to be considered on time even if you have filed an extension or plan to file one.
It is important to send at least an estimated payment before the deadline, even if you haven't calculated exactly how much you owe. According to H&R Block, if you don't file and don't pay, the IRS can charge 5 percent of what you owe each month as a penalty, up to 25 percent.
The IRS will not charge a late payment fee as long as you send at least 90 percent of the actual payment you owe, and that the remainder of the payment is submitted before the end of the six-month extension deadline. So get those checks in the mail today!
Tax tips:
1. Post Office Locations
There are three post offices in Redondo Beach open until 5 p.m. or later:
1201 N. Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Open until 7 p.m.; last pickup at 5 p.m.
1715 Via El Prado
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Open until 5 p.m.; last pickup at 5 p.m.
2215 Artesia Blvd.
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Open until 5 p.m.; last pickup at 5 p.m.
Be sure to deposit your mail in a box or slot before the last pickup time for that box or slot.
2. Pay Online
To apply online for a payment agreement, go to the website and click "Apply for an Online Payment Agreement (OPA)" at the left side of the Home page under Online Services. If you are unable to make payments, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to discuss your options.
3. How to get forms
Form 4868 is available for download from the IRS website or may be ordered by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). You can also get the form at your local IRS office, located downtown at 300 N. Los Angeles Street. Telephone requests normally take seven to 15 days to process and ship.
4. 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 by April 18, or make an extension-related electronic credit card payment. For more information about extension-related credit card payments, see form 4868.
5. 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. The IRS will acknowledge receipt of the extension request if you file by computer.
6. Traditional Free File and Free File fillable forms
You can use both Free File options to file an extension. Access the Free File page at the IRS website.
7. Electronic funds withdrawal
If you ask for an extension via computer, you can also choose to 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).
