Tax procrastinators, your time is running out.
It’s time to do your taxes — no more delays.
As the coronavirus pandemic took hold this spring, the federal government postponed the traditional April 15 filing deadline until July 15.
The move provided some economic and logistical relief for taxpayers dealing with the disruptions and uncertainty brought on by lockdowns, school closures and shuttered businesses. But now that new deadline is rapidly approaching.
Taxpayers must file or seek an extension by the new deadline or face a penalty. The IRS is expecting about 150 million returns from individuals and as of last count, it had received almost 139 million.
So for those of you still waiting to file, make a payment or with other questions, a few answers:
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DO I HAVE TO?
Yes. In most cases, you must file and pay your taxes by July 15.
Taxpayers who need more time can request an extension on the IRS website. That will give them until Oct.15 to file. However, an extension to file does not mean added time to pay. So those planning on filing later should estimate what they owe and make that payment by July 15.
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I CAN’T PAY NOW, WHAT DO I DO?
Go ahead and file your taxes even if you cannot pay.
The IRS is willing to set up payment plans or make other arrangements with taxpayers who cannot pay in full.
