Home » 2010 (Page 34)
Yearly Archives: 2010
IRS Patrol:Can’t Make the April 15 Filing Deadline? Get an Extension with Free File
Videos:
Extension to File Your Tax Return: English
For this and other videos: YouTube/IRSVideos
WASHINGTON — Taxpayers who need extra time to file their federal returns this year can file the Form 4868 request for an automatic extension through IRS Free File. The extension gives you an additional six months, until Oct. 15, to file the tax return.
Taxpayers can file the request for extension with traditional Free File or Free File Fillable Forms. Using Free File to prepare and electronically submit Form 4868 is free to everyone.
In addition, taxpayers can use paid preparers or purchased software to electronically file Form 4868. A paper version is also available for download from the IRS Web site, IRS.gov. However, you will only receive an acknowledgement that the IRS received your request, if you e-file or Free File the request.
Free File and Free File Fillable Forms will be available through Oct. 15.
An Extension to File, Not to Pay
An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. You need to estimate your tax liability and pay any balance due when you request the extension. Several payment options are available, including electronic funds withdrawal, credit card and check.
If you are unable to pay the total balance due, you should pay as much as possible and then contact the IRS about an installment plan. Even if you cannot pay the balance due, it is important to either file a return or request an extension to avoid the failure-to-file penalty.
The IRS expects to receive approximately 10 million extension requests in 2010, which is about the same as last year. Some taxpayers automatically receive extensions to file. For example, military personnel serving in a combat zone have 180 days after leaving the combat zone to file their returns. Victims of recent natural disasters in certain federally declared disaster areas also have extra time.
IRS Presents: Seven Important Facts about Your Appeal Rights
The IRS provides an appeals system for those who do not agree with the results of a tax return examination or with other adjustments to their tax liability. Here are the top seven things to know when it comes to your appeal rights.
- When the IRS makes an adjustment to your tax return, you will receive a report or letter explaining the proposed adjustments. This letter will also explain how to request a conference with an Appeals office should you not agree with the IRS findings on your tax return.
- In addition to tax return examinations, many other tax obligations can be appealed. You may also appeal penalties, interest, trust fund recovery penalties, offers in compromise, liens and levies.
- You are urged to be prepared with appropriate records and documentation to support your position if you request a conference with an IRS Appeals employee.
- Appeals conferences are informal meetings. You may represent yourself or have someone else represent you. Those allowed to represent taxpayers include attorneys, certified public accountants or individuals enrolled to practice before the IRS.
- The IRS Appeals Office is separate from – and independent of – the IRS office taking the action you may disagree with. The Appeals Office is the only level of administrative appeal within the agency.
- If you do not reach agreement with IRS Appeals or if you do not wish to appeal within the IRS, you may appeal certain actions through the courts.
- For further information on the appeals process, refer to Publication 5, Your Appeal Rights and How To Prepare a Protest If You Don’t Agree. This publication, along with more on IRS Appeals is available at IRS.gov.
Links:
- Appeals… Resolving Tax Disputes
- Tax Topic 151 – Your Appeal Rights
- Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer (PDF 21K)
- Publication 5, Your Appeal Rights and How to Prepare a Protest If You Don’t Agree (PDF 36K)
- Publication 556, Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights and Claims for Refunds (PDF 105K)
- Publication 1660, Collection Appeal Rights (PDF 31K)
- Publication 3605, Fast Track Mediation (PDF 15K)
Stacie's Tax Stuff 