Tax deadline approaching, local tax preparer offers advice

The deadline to file your taxes is April 18th at midnight.

ALBANY, Ga. – Tax day is just five days away, and one local tax preparer suggests everyone to get their taxes done as soon as possible. Right now an estimated 80 million people have yet to file.

The April 18th at midnight deadline is swiftly approaching, and Cheryhl Gardner with Heart to Heart Tax Services and tells Quinlan Parker South Georgia Television News that things have quite busy, and what you should do if you can’t get in with a preparer.

“…if not, then they need to get in a file an extension because the tax deadline is Monday the 18th and they have until 12 o’clock midnight that day to make sure everything is done.” said Gardner.

Mark Steber, the chief tax information officer with Jackson Hewitt breaks down what an extension really does.

“The extension really just gives you a little bit more time, 6 months in fact to file your paperwork, but it does not push off the deadline for paying your taxes, that is, in fact, is still due, so no benefit there. And if you’re due a refund, like 3 out of 4 people are, filing an extension just means longer to get your money…” said Steber.

Gardner says filing your taxes is as easy as going to the I-R-S website, providing them with your social security numbers and I.D. and if you don’t have all of your tax documents ready, Gardner says that okay too.

“Like especially if they’re a business or a W-2, still need time to gather some things and it’s as simple as that. You would just put that basic information in and they would transmit it, but it has to be done before midnight because after that, that system turns off and they won’t be able to do an extension at that time.” said Gardner.

Gardner explains why it’s so crucial to file as early as possible.

“…it’s determined that they owe taxes. So you want to find out about owing taxes early that way you can develop a strategic plan in order to get the IRS paid prior to the deadline date…” said Gardner.

If you filed an extension for a refund, 21 business days is the average according to Gardner; unless corrections have to be made which can prolong you from getting your money.