SYRACUSE -- The clock is ticking to file your taxes.
Midnight tonight is the deadline for you to get that tax form into the IRS. A Turbo Tax survey found more than a quarter of Americans waited until the final two weeks to file taxes last year.
We spoke to a representative from H&R Block tonight who knows that trend all too well, telling us today will be a pretty crazy day as folks wait to the last minute to file their taxes. If you’re planning on using a service like that—be prepared to wait, and be patient. If you make less than $58,000 a year, you can take advantage a free filing system from the government.
Nearly 90 million people filed their taxes by the first week of April, down slightly from a year ago according to the IRS. More than 85% of those people did so electronically. It’s why the Post Office isn’t expecting huge crowds on Monday, according to a spokeswoman in Syracuse. She told CNY Central the post offices will be operating regular business hours, but will undoubtedly see some familiar faces.
Even if you don’t think you can pay the amount you owe to the government, experts say it’s best to file your taxes anyway. Filing late or not filing at all can be costly, with late fees and interest. Experts say you’re better off getting an extension and sending an estimate of what you owe to the IRS.
To file an extension, you’ll need to fill out Form 4868 by tomorrow. You can find that form by clicking here.
Check out the links below for more advice on filing taxes.
A new poll released by the Siena College Research Institute finds 42 percent of New Yorkers say they paid too much in taxes, and 64 percent plan to use their refund to pay bills. Read more about the new poll by clicking here.
