Reminder: Oct. 15 deadline approaching for taxpayers who requested extensions
WASHINGTON — Taxpayers who requested the six-month filing extension should complete their tax returns and file on or before the Oct. 15 deadline. Convenient electronic filing options, including IRS Free File, are still available.
Filing electronically is easy, safe and the most accurate way to file taxes. There are a variety of electronic filing options. Those options include having tax returns prepared at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly site, purchasing commercial software or choosing a reputable tax professional who is also an authorized e-file provider.
About 15 million taxpayers filed for an extension this year. Although Oct. 15 is the last day for most people to file, some may have more time. They include:
- Members of the military and others serving in a combat zone. They typically have 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.
- Taxpayers in federally-declared disaster areas who already had valid extensions. For details, see the disaster relief pages on IRS.gov.
Extension filers can file when they are ready and don’t have to wait until Oct. 15 to file. Taxpayers who did not request an extension and have yet to file a 2018 tax return can generally avoid additional penalties and interest by filing the return as soon as possible and paying any taxes owed.
Form 1040 has been redesigned for tax year 2018. The revised form consolidates Forms 1040, 1040A and 1040-EZ into one form that all individual taxpayers will use to file their 2018 federal income tax return.
The new form uses a “building block” approach that can be supplemented with additional schedules as needed. Taxpayers with straightforward tax situations will only need to file the Form 1040 with no additional schedules. People who use tax software will still follow the steps they’re familiar with from previous years. Since nearly 90 percent of taxpayers now use tax software, the IRS expects the change to Form 1040 and its schedules to be seamless for those who file electronically.
Recordkeeping and adjusted gross income
As a reminder, taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax returns and supporting documents for a minimum of three years. Some taxpayers using a tax-filing software product for the first time may need their adjusted gross income amount from their prior-year tax return to verify their identity.
Taxpayers using the same tax software they used last year will not need to enter their prior year information to electronically sign their 2018 tax return. Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign tax returns at Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.
Payment options
IRS Direct Pay offers taxpayers a fast way to pay what they owe. Direct Pay is free and allows individuals to securely pay their tax bills or make quarterly estimated tax payments online directly from checking or savings accounts without any fees or pre-registration.
Taxpayers can also pay by debit or credit card. While the IRS does not charge a fee for this service, the payment processer does.