Tax Update Blog: Permalink

« Previous · Tax Update Blog Home · Next »

A few last-minute things

April 15, 2009

It's too late to do much more for April 15, but a few last-minute reminders can't hurt.

- File or extend today.

- If you aren't ready to file, extend.

- Extending is better than amending; if you know there's an error - say, a K-1 that arrived after you prepared the return but before you mailed it - extend and file one right return.

- Document your filing.

- Don't count on the post office being open until midnight. That tradition is dying, and few still will have somebody out front waiting to get your return for postmarking until midnight.

- If you need to send a return or extension and the post office is closed, go to FedEx-Kinkos or some other place that is open late and is an authorized private delivery provider. It costs more than postage, but less than late-filing penalties, and the shipping receipt works the same way as a certified mail postmark. Make sure the receipt is dated today, and use the proper street address for private delivery services.

- The headaches above go away if you e-file, so maybe you should do that.

- If you are deducting an IRA payment, make sure you make it by today.

- If you are deducting a SEP payment, make sure you either make it today or you extend your return.

This is our last 2009 Filing Season Tip. Happy April 15!

Tags: Tips for filing 2008 returns.