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
- Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go phone app
- Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers: A database of return preparers with credentials and select qualifications
- Authorized e-File Providers: A database of all Authorized e-File Providers who chose to be included.