Last Minute Tax Prep Resources

Last Minute Tax Prep Resources

  • IRS Free File: Prep and filing software for individuals and families with incomes of $66,000 or less
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance

If you owe money, but can’t pay in full by April 17th:

  • Try to file on time and pay as much as you can
  • Request Additional Time to Pay: through the Online Payment Agreement application. The IRS may grant up to 120 days more to pay the bill
  • Apply for an IRS installment agreement (Form 9465), which for a fee, will put you on a monthly payment plan
  • Use a Credit or Debit card, but that’s an expensive way to go because you’ll pay fees
  • DO NOT IGNORE

If you can’t file by April 17th:

  • 6-month extension with Form 4868 by April 17th. Extensions have a major caveat: The IRS gives you extra time to file, but not to pay. You must estimate your tax liability and pay at least 90 percent of it to avoid a penalty.
  • Extension does not provide you with extra time to make your 2017 IRA or Roth IRA contributions -- they’re still due by April 17th
  • SEP contributions can be made until the October extension deadline

 OTHER TOOLS