July 15, tax-filing deadline

With this year’s July 15, tax-filing deadline − postponed from April 15 – only a few days away, the IRS is reminding taxpayers who have yet to file their tax returns that IRS.gov has tools and services to help them meet their tax deadline.

In a press release the IRS is reminding taxpayers that IRS tax help is available 24 hours a day on their website, IRS.gov. The website can help taxpayers whether they are filing a tax return, requesting an extension or making a payment. The IRS has also developed the Interactive Tax Assistant tool to answer many tax questions they may encounter.

The IRS also reminds taxpayers the agency has a range of expert help available through a qualified tax professional, including certified public accountants, enrolled agents and attorneys. The IRS encourages people who need the help of a tax professional to visit a special page on IRS.gov.

The website allows taxpayers to prepare and file taxes for free as well as set up electronic returns, avoiding a delay in paper tax returns due to limited staffing. Other notable mentions of the website is the ability to request extensions or schedule payment up to 365 days in advance. 

Taxpayers who filed a paper tax return and expect a refund may experience a delay beyond the normal time frame of four to six weeks from the time they mailed the return. The IRS will process paper returns in the order they are received.

Taxpayers should not file the same return again or call the IRS if they filed a paper tax return and are experiencing a refund delay, according to the press release.

The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and use direct deposit, according to the IRS.

Taxpayers can go to IRS.gov/account to securely access information about their federal tax account. Taxpayers can view the amount they possibly owe, access their tax records online, review their payment history and view key tax return information for the most recent tax return as originally filed.