Did you wait until the last minute? Did April 15th creep up on you too quickly? Don’t sit there waiting, get working on completing and filing your taxes!
You have until midnight, April 15th, to have physical tax forms postmarked before they are late. Of course you need to make sure you get to the post office in time, and trust me, there will be lines!
Filing your taxes online can help to make sure you get your return in before the deadline (and avoid long lines). There may even be options for you to file your taxes online for free (or get a discount). [Turbo Tax or H&R Block at Home Tax Software are two you can try.]
Whatever you do, make sure you file if your income requires it! If you are paying taxes and can’t pay the full amount then file an extension of time to file. This can give you additional time to get your full return in. Keep in mind though, this doesn’t mean you get extra time to pay. You still need to pay an estimated portion of your taxes or you will be hit with penalties. Even if you are paying late, get your return in ASAP to avoid additional IRS fees; the sooner the better.
If you are confused while preparing your return, the IRS has resources to help with your tax questions. I also wrote an article a little while back that looks at some interesting tax questions. Tax software sites, like Turbo Tax, also offer information on common tax questions.
Are you a first-time homebuyer or did you buy a home between November and now? Make sure you don’t forget the first-time homebuyer’s tax credit. Remember that you need to file the homebuyer tax credit with a paper return so don’t wait too long!
Its not too late to fund an IRA! A traditional IRA can net you immediate tax benefits if you haven’t filed yet. ING Direct’s Sharebuilder has an offer now where you get free automatic investing trades in 2010 (they are normally $4 a trade).
Are you getting a big refund? What will you be doing with that refund tax money? By the way, you know the government doesn’t mind that you overpay your taxes. After all, its a free loan to them. If you would rather have more money in your paycheck then make sure you adjust your W-4 form! The IRS has calculators to help you figure out how much to have taken out of your paycheck.
Hey, if you got your taxes done then let out a sigh of relief and take advantage of these great deals on April 15th:
Cinnabon is offering free bite-sized cupcakes between 6-8 pm as well as an essay contest for a chance to win $100 gift card.
If you bring a re-usable mug, Starbucks will give you free coffee (guess where I’m going?).
PF Chang’s is offering 15% off!
Maggie Moo’s is offering a free slice of their ice cream pizza between 3 and 7 pm.
Use this Jamba Juice coupon for buy one get one free drinks (good until 4/25).
McCormick and Schmick’s seafood restaurant is offering $10.40 dinner specials.
A few more deals listed here: Tax Day Freebies April 15
If you know of any other April 15th deals let everyone know in the comments!
If you are still on the fence about what tax product to use then take a look at my Monster TurboTax Review!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I had no idea there were so many April 15th offers.
As always it will be nice when this day passes. Unfortunately, I guess we just have to face tax season again next year.
.-= Craig Ford´s last blog ..Passwords Security | How To Safely Store Passwords =-.
If you plan well its tax day every day but its not so bad spread out. What I mean is keeping track of records and such.
Its pretty cool that the deals are out there!
Nice list of freebies. Looks like a trip to Starbucks is in order.
I have my re-usable mug sitting on the counter waiting!
I’m staying away from the post office today. I might also stop in at Cinnabon…
I stopped by Starbucks! Ahhh…
Mmmmm, Cinnabon! And Jamba Juice to wash it down. What am I doing with my refund? Off to Alaska to see the midnight sun! Yippee. Is there Cinnabon in Alaska?
.-= Chris @ BeDebtFreeAmerica.com´s last blog ..How I Survived Unemployment =-.
Sounds like an awesome trip!
Getting the right thing to hold off the tax seems pretty decent too…since we are only able to get to pay for it.
.-= Erline´s last blog ..Breastfeeding With Pregnancy Band =-.
In case anyone needs another kick in the but to get those late taxes done. I had a friend who missed one year, then because of that felt more overwhelmed for two more. When he finally did file, he had a pretty nice pile of late penalties and the interest on the past due amount.
Just get er done.
.-= Guy G.´s last blog ..Grocery Saving Tips – Tips on Budgeting =-.