Taxes
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Even though the tax filing deadline is today, if you haven't filed your taxes yet, you're not alone. Listed here are a few things to keep in mind......

If you're not ready to file by today, you can fill out Form 4868 at IRS.gov, which provides an automatic six-month extension. But you still need to pay as much of what you think you owe in taxes, to reduce penalties and interest charges.

What if you don't have the money to pay all of what you owe today? The IRS will usually work with you by setting up a payment plan if they feel that you are trying. It is suggested that you send something, what you can afford, and perhaps request a payment plan for the balance.

If you file a return but don't pay all the taxes that are due, you will generally have to pay a late payment penalty. That's one-half of one percent for each month, or part of a month, up to a maximum of 25 percent of the unpaid amount, according to the IRS.

Interest accrues on any unpaid tax from the due date of the return until the date of payment in full, according to the IRS, which determines the interest rate quarterly. It's the federal short-term rate plus 3 percent and the interest compounds daily.

If you owe taxes and don't file on time, the penalty is usually five percent of the tax owed for each month, or part of a month that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25 percent, according to the IRS.

A common concern is what is the chance of getting audited? IRS audits are at their lowest levels in more than a decade and that trend may continue this year according to IRS Commissioner John Koskinen in a speech to the National Press Club last month. The vast majority of those who get audited are making a million dollars or more each year.

Lets look at one more thing on this tax day. Some of you may be thinking....what happens if you don't file at all. It depends. If you're owed money, you could lose your refund if you don't file your taxes within three years. If you owe the government, then you face interest charges, penalties or even criminal prosecution if you're a chronic non-filer.

Take a deep breath, relax, and just keep the above mentioned in mind as possible options as today's filing deadline nears. Remember that what you send today needs to be postmarked by midnight today.

 

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