The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers with a filing requirement to file an accurate tax return on time even if a balance due can’t be paid in full.
The deadline to submit 2019 tax returns is July 15 for most people. Members of the military serving overseas may have more time.
File electronically to avoid most common errors
Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit remains the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a refund. Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information.
An inaccurate tax return can delay a refund.
In most cases, tax software helps to reduce or eliminate these.
Find complete details on all the benefits of filing electronically, including IRS Free File, commercial tax prep software or an authorized e-File provider from the “File” page on IRS.gov.
Checking on refunds
The IRS is processing electronic and paper tax returns and issuing refunds. The IRS normally issues most refunds in less than 21 days.
Taxpayers who mailed a tax return will experience a longer wait time.
There is no need to mail a second tax return or call the IRS.
“Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov is the most convenient way to check the status of a refund. It has a tracker that displays progress through three phases: (1) Return Received; (2) Refund Approved; and (3) Refund Sent.
All that is needed to use “Where’s My Refund?” is the taxpayer’s Social Security number, tax filing status (such as single, married, head of household) and exact amount of the tax refund claimed on the 2019 tax return. It is updated no more than once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so there’s no need to check the status more often.
Taxpayers can pay online, by phone or with their mobile device and the IRS2Go app. When paying federal taxes electronically taxpayers should remember:
- 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.
- Taxpayers can choose to pay with a credit card, debit card or digital wallet option through a payment processor. The processor may charge a fee. No fees go to the IRS.
- The IRS2Go app provides the mobile-friendly payment options, including Direct Pay and payment processor payments on mobile devices.
- Taxpayers may also enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System and have a choice of paying online or by phone by using the EFTPS Voice Response System.
Need an extension of time to file a 2019 tax return?
Those who need more time to prepare their 2019 federal tax return can apply for an extension of time to file. An extension of time to file does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes owed. File an extension request, estimate and pay any owed taxes by the July 15 deadline to avoid possible penalties.
Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. Filing this form gives the taxpayer until Oct. 15 to file a return. To get the extension, the taxpayer must estimate their tax liability on this form and pay any amount due
Taxpayers can also get an extension by paying all or part of their estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or a credit or debit card. This way they won’t have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records.
Check withholding
The IRS encourages taxpayers to do a Paycheck Checkup as soon as possible to avoid having too much or too little tax withheld this year. Too much normally results in a refund while too little lends itself to taxes owed next year.
Taxpayers should check their withholding each year and when life changes occur, such as marriage, childbirth, adoption or buying a home.
Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov.
