This year’s April 17th deadline to file tax returns is quickly approaching but the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers that they can get a tax filing extension if they need more time to complete returns. Most people can get an automatic six-month extension to file returns by using the Free File link on the IRS website. By using this free service to file Form 4868, taxpayers will receive an extension to file until October 15, 2012 and avoid a late-filing penalty. It is important to keep in mind that the extension is only for the time to file, and not the time to pay. Tax liabilities are still due by April 17th, 2012, and any unpaid amount due will be subject to penalties and interest
If you are a taxpayer that is having difficulty paying what you owe, be sure to check out the Fresh Start initiative that offers penalty relief to unemployed and self-employed taxpayers whose income has dropped. Penalty relief will be available to those who have been unemployed for at least 30 consecutive days in 2011 or up until April 17th 2012, as well as to self-employed individuals who have experienced a 25% or greater drop in business income due to the economy.
Penalty relief is restricted to taxpayers whose balance due for the calendar year 2011 does not exceed $50,000. Furthermore, a taxpayer’s income must not exceed $200,000 if filing as married filing jointly and must not exceed $100,000 if filing as single or head of household. To seek the penalty relief, qualifying taxpayers should fill out Form 1127A at IRS.gov.
If you are a taxpayer facing back taxes or large tax liabilities that you cannot pay and you need representation contact Larson Financial. Larson Financial Tax Resolution Specialists offer personalized solutions for tax debt. We specialize in IRS and State Collection Division representation and can help take the guesswork out of dealing with taxing authorities. As a family owned and operated firm, we pride ourselves in giving our clients the individual attention that is necessary to find custom solutions for tax needs. Contact Larson Financial now at 888-589-0955 or find us online at www.larson-financial.com.