October 15 Target Date Techniques For Taxpayers Seeking Extensions For 2020 Tax Returns

The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers about the upcoming October 15 due date to file 2020 tax returns. People who asked for an extension should file on or before the extension deadline to avoid the penalty for filing late. Electronic filing options, such as IRS Free File, are still available.

Although October 15 is the last day for most people to file, some taxpayers may have more time. They include:

• Members of the military and others serving in a combat zone. They typically have 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.

• Taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas who already had valid extensions. For details, see the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.

• Electronic payment options are the optimal way to make a tax payment.

• They can pay when they file electronically using tax software online. If using a tax preparer, taxpayers should ask the preparer to make the tax payment through an electronic funds withdrawal from a bank account.

• IRS Direct Pay allows taxpayers to pay online directly from a checking or savings account for free, and to schedule payments up to 365 days in advance.

• Choices to pay with a credit card, debit card or digital wallet option are available through a payment processor. The payment processor, not the IRS, charges a fee for this service.

• The IRS2Go app provides the mobile-friendly payment options, including Direct Pay and debit or credit card payments on mobile devices.

• The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is convenient, safe and easy. Choose to pay online or by phone by using the EFTPS Voice Response System.

There is usually no penalty for failure to file if the taxpayer is due a refund. However, people who wait too long to file and claim a refund, risk losing it altogether. Those who have yet to file a 2020 tax return, owe tax, and did not request an extension can generally avoid additional penalties and interest by filing the return as soon as possible and paying any taxes owed.

Taxpayers can file now and schedule their federal tax payments up to the October 15 due date. They can pay online, by phone or with their mobile device and the IRS2Go app. When paying federal taxes electronically taxpayers should remember:

Your Tax Pro on Demand, 

R Clyde Olivieri, Jr.

P.S.  Should you believe to have fallen into a situation related to this issue and know not what to do, or how to handle your specific matter, call us now, at 215.550.3636, from 1000am until 1000pm, Monday through Sunday.  We will come up with solutions or suggestions, related to your potential tax consequences. We have convenient evening and weekend appointment hours.