Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

E-mail this page Print this page Most E-mailed / Most printed

MIDDLETOWN — Time is not on the side of those who have yet to file their income taxes.

The IRS requires people to have their tax returns filed online or postmarked by today, April 15, to be considered on time.

In order to receive the federal economic stimulus refund, residents must file their taxes. Checks will begin to be distributed to households in May, said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.

Those not normally required to file, such as retirees, disabled veterans or anyone who has at least $3,000 in eligible income, have until Oct. 15, said Lucy Crane, manager of community impact for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

It's better to get to the post office early to mail forms to avoid the long lines created by fellow procrastinators, said Regina Wagers of Abacus Tax Services in Monroe.

"It's typical for people to have their taxes filed at this point; they are just waiting until the last minute to get them in the mail," Wagers said.

Most late filers are those who owe the IRS, said Sandy Williams-Mueller, tax superintendent for Middletown's Division of Income Tax office.

However, waiting to send in forms can be costly.

"Payments are still due April 15 whether they file for an extension or not," Williams-Mueller said. "Even if they can't pay, they are better off filing than getting the $25 failure to file fee. We're always willing to do a payment plan."

Last-minute filers have several options left:

• The Middletown Division of Income Tax office will be open until 7 p.m. and Hamilton's office will be open until 8 p.m. today. Both offices will offer free assistance to residents filing their city income taxes.

• Receive a six-month extension and avoid a late fee by using Form 4868. Download a form at IRS.gov.

• If you cannot pay the full amount due, ask to make monthly installment payments. Apply with the Online Payment Agreement application on IRS.gov.

Some tax businesses have extended hours to help last-minute filers, said Jay Bopp, H&R Block district manager.

The IRS also offers toll-free assistance at (800) 829-1040.

Special post office hours today

Middletown: 320 N. Verity Parkway, will have express lane for tax form postmarks until 5 p.m.

Fairfield: 700 Wessel Drive, open until midnight

Cincinnati: 1591 Dalton Ave., open until midnight

West Chester Twp.: 8730 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, open until 7 p.m.

Comment: Why do you wait to file your taxes?

Vote for this story!