Time Is Running Out To File Your Federal Tax Return
PLANTATION (CBS4) - Anticipating a last minute rush of taxpayers who need help, local Internal Revenue Service offices will be extending their hours on Monday to help those who need last minute assistance.
In Miami, the IRS office at 51 SW 1st Avenue will be open until 5 p.m. and in Broward the IRS office in Plantation, at 7850 SW 6th Court, will stay open until 6 p.m.
Click Here to find out what type of services and help they offer.
This year taxpayers have until Monday, April 18 to file their 2010 tax returns and pay any tax due.
The reason for the change from the usual date is because Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, falls this year on April 15. By law, District of Columbia holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do; therefore, all taxpayers will have three extra days to file this year. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Oct. 17 to file their 2010 tax returns.
Taxpayers who plan to work all Monday and drop off their returns just before midnight at a post office will be out of luck. This year the US Postal Service will not keep select locations open until midnight for last minute filers.
This year only three locations with special drop off lines will be open until 9 PM.
SEE THE LOCATIONS IN THE CBSMiami TAX GUIDE
Other offices will be open later than normal without special arrangements.
If you want to file later than usual in Monroe County, you're out of luck. No arrangements have been made to keep an office open in the Keys until 9 p.m.
The Postal Service has been cutting back on the traditional tax-day return drop nationwide, as electronic filing of tax returns has become more common, due in part to programs that let many taxpayers file electronically for free.
The free-filing lure is speedy refunds. If you file electronically, your tax refund can be in your bank in as little as 10 days. Refunds from paper returns can take weeks.
SEE FREE-FILE INFORMATION IN THE CBSMiami TAX GUIDE
But if you're still not convinced, the Postal Service has a few reminders for those choosing to mail their returns on the 18th:
- If you drop the return off at a collection box or post office, mail as early as possible, and check the date of the last pickup. If you miss it, your return won't be postmarked on the 18th.
- Have the correct amount of postage on your return. Contrary to common belief, the Postal Service can return IRS mail if the postage is wrong, and then, your return would be late.
- If your return is heavier than 13 ounces, your return may need to be handed to a clerk at a postal service counter. Check regulations at usps.gov
