2016 Income Tax Deadline Extended

Procrastinators – and who isn’t when it comes to filing federal and state income taxes – are in luck this year. You have an extra weekend to buckle down, compile and submit your tax returns.

Because of a holiday in the nation’s capital, the filing deadline to submit 2015 tax returns is Monday, April 18, 2016, rather than the traditional April 15 date.

Most states also require income taxes to be filed on April 18, including Illinois, but there are exceptions. Due to Patriots Day, the deadline will be Tuesday, April 19, in Maine and Massachusetts. Louisiana gives residents until May 15 to file, Virginia's deadline is May 2, and the Iowa deadline is April 30, according to efile.com.

If you need more time to file, you can also use IRS Free File to get an automatic six-month extension to file your taxes. But if you owe taxes, those must be paid April 18, even with an extension to file your return.

• Learn How to File an Extension for Illinois Taxes

Taxpayers who can’t pay the taxes they owe by the due date may set up a monthly payment plan using the Online Payment Agreement option on IRS.gov.

— Deb Belt, Patch.com

Last-Minute Filing Tips

The IRS has these tips to help the procrastinators:

File electronically. Filing electronically, whether through e-file or IRS Free File, vastly reduces tax return errors, as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. And best of all, there is a free option for everyone.

Mail a paper return to the right address. Paper filers should check the appropriate address where to file in IRS.gov or their form instructions to avoid processing delays.

Take a close look at the tax tables. When figuring tax using the tax tables, taxpayers should be sure to use the correct column for the filing status claimed.

Fill in all requested information clearly. When entering information on the tax return, including Social Security numbers, take the time to be sure it is correct and easy to read. Also, check only one filing status and the appropriate exemption boxes.

Review all figures. While software catches and prevents many errors on e-file returns, math errors remain common on paper returns.

Get the right routing and account numbers.Requesting direct deposit of a federal refund into one, two or even three accounts is convenient and allows the taxpayer access to his or her money faster. Make sure the financial institution routing and account numbers entered on the return are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be delayed or deposited into the wrong account.

Request a Filing Extension. For taxpayers who cannot meet the April 15 deadline, requesting a filing extension is easy and will prevent late filing penalties. Either use Free File or Form 4868. But keep in mind that while an extension grants additional time to file, tax payments are still due April 15.

Owe tax? If so, a number of e-payment options are available. Or send a check or money order payable to the “United States Treasury.”

Speedy Refunds

Choosing e-file and direct deposit for refunds remains the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a refund. The IRS says it will likely issue more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.

If you haven’t filed yet, the IRS has these tips to help you.

• Gather your records. Make sure you have all yourtax records. This includes receipts, canceled checks and other records that support income, deductions or tax credits that you claim. If you purchased health insurance through the Marketplace, you will need the information in Form 1095-A to file.
• Report all your income. You will need to report your income from all of your Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statements, Forms 1099 and any other income – even if you don’t receive a statement – when you file your tax return.
• Use Direct Deposit. The fastest and safest way to get your refund is to combine e-file with direct deposit. The IRS issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.
• Review your return. Mistakes slow down your tax refund. If you file a paper return, be sure to check all Social Security numbers. That’s one of the most common errors.
• Visit IRS.gov. The website has forms and other info you need to file your tax return. Click on the "Filing" icon for links to filing tips, answers to frequently asked questions and IRS forms and publications. The IRS has many online tools on IRS.gov to help you file and answer your tax questions. The tool gives the same answers that an IRS representative would give over the phone.

Make The Most of Your Refund

WalletHub offers some advice on what to do with your refund -- have it direct deposited rather than put on a prepaid card -- and what to spend it on.

• Direct Deposit over Prepaid Cards: Many tax preparers and some states offer to pay tax refunds via prepaid card, but those cards often charge multiple fees that lower your refund. If possible, direct deposit is the best way to receive your refund.
• Pay Off Debt: Start with credit card debt, which often carries a high interest rate, then tackle other debts you owe.
• Invest Your Refund: Experts suggest putting your money in an IRA to lower next year’s tax burden, adding to a college savings plan, or building a stock portfolio.
• Reevaluate Withholdings: Receiving a large refund means that you are paying too much in taxes and you could reduce paycheck withholdings to spend on your priorities, rather than letting the government to use it interest free.

Options for Software Tax Programs

TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct and other software programs can walk you through your return, but you still have to have all your paperwork in order. Here’s how the programs compare, courtesy of The New York Times.

Health Care Proof, New Document

Many taxpayers are puzzled by a new form that arrived this year, thanks to the Affordable Care Act: the 1095-C. The form for health care was sent to people who havehealth insurance through a large employer.

The 1095-C is created and sent by your employer, which also sent a copy to the Internal Revenue Service. It contains information about the type of health coverage that your employer offered for the previous year, and serves as official proof of insurance in case you are audited, an expert told The New York Times.

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