Tax Deadline Approaches, Have You Filed?

As the tax deadline approaches, it’s crunch time for many procrastinators.
Luckily, you will get a little extra time this year.
 
KVRR’s Brittany Ford has what you need to know if you’re one of those people who has yet to file.

Brittany?

Alison and TJ, I must have called literally every tax agency in the metro, before Tax Lady was able to squeeze us in for an interview. That tells you how many people are waiting until the last minute.

April 15th is usually tax deadline day, but due to the celebration of Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C., tax payers have until Monday to file.

Preparers at Tax Lady in Fargo say last minute filers should make sure of one thing.
 
“To be as organized as possible for tax preparers, or if you’re doing them yourself, to have everything in front of you to start your filing process, but if you’re using a professional tax preparer to bring all your documents,” said Cindy Slaughter Tax Preparer at Tax Lady.
 
For some tax payers waiting ’til last minute hasn’t been a choice because some of the tax forms proving health insurance coverage weren’t sent out till March 31st.
 
Slaughter says it wasn’t something surprising with it being the first year people have received healthcare coverage under the new law.
 
“It’s a new procedure for everyone; delays were expected,” said Slaughter.
 
So what happens if you don’t file on the 18th?

You’ll face a late penalty for not paying if you owe, but Slaughter says you can avoid one setback.
 
“The bigger penalty is late filing penalty so if you’re unable to make the deadline make sure to file that extension,” said Slaughter.
 
We caught up with one man who says for once he won’t be worried about either of those things.
 
“I filed in February, and we got our taxes back a week later, so it’s very much a relief, otherwise it was, always has been April 15th,” said Pete Busche.
 
He says unlike years before, it was nice to be able to thank the government for a few extra dollars.
 
“This year we just had a kid and things have changed so we got money back, and it was a nice relief to be able to use that money on other stuff,” said Pete.
 
In an effort to accommodate last minute filers, the Postal Service says mail will be collected until 9:30 p.m. Monday.

Brittany Ford, KVRR News.