Taxpayers who still haven’t filed their 2018 tax return should do so ASAP
While the federal income tax-filing deadline has passed for most people,
some taxpayers did not file an extension and still have not filed their tax
returns. These taxpayers should file ASAP. They should do so even if they can’t
pay to avoid potential penalties and interest, which can continue to add up
quickly.
Here are some things
taxpayers in this situation should know:
- Penalties and interest are only added on unfiled
returns if the taxpayer did not pay taxes by the April deadline. Taxpayers
who did not file and owe tax should file a tax return and pay as much as
they are able to now. If they cannot pay the full amount, they should
learn about payment options. These can reduce possible penalties
and interest added to the amount the taxpayer owes.
- IRS Free File is available on IRS.gov through October 15.
- Some taxpayers may have extra time to file their tax returns and pay
any taxes due. These include:
o Some disaster victims
o Military service members and eligible support
personnel in combat zones
o U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work
outside the U.S. and Puerto
Rico - If a return is filed more than 60 days after the April
due date, the minimum penalty is either $210 or 100 percent of the unpaid
tax, whichever is less. Therefore, if the tax due is $210 or less, the
penalty is equal to the tax amount due. If the tax due is more than $210,
the penalty is at least $210.
- The IRS provided penalty relief for certain taxpayers whose
2018 federal income tax withholding and estimated tax payments fell short
of their total tax liability for the year.
- Other taxpayers filing after the deadline may also
qualify for penalty relief. Those who are charged a penalty may
contact the IRS and explain why they were unable to file and pay by the
due date.
- Taxpayers who have a history of filing and paying on
time often qualify for first-time penalty abatement.
- There is no penalty for filing late if a refund is due.
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