As the April 15 tax deadline looms, IRS spokesman Dan Boone offered these top five tips for last-minute filers:
1. Avoiding the late-filing penalty is simple. File either your tax
return or an extension request before midnight April 15.
2. Anyone can file an extension request free at IRS.gov through the IRS
Free File program. Filers whose 2013 income was $58,000 or less can use
the Free File program to file their federal tax return.
3. An extension grants additional time to file, but tax payments are
still due April 15. So, pay as much as you can when you file your tax
return or extension request, then fill out an online payment agreement
request at IRS.gov to pay the rest.
4. Data entry errors can cause problems. Make sure information on your
tax return, such as Social Security numbers and bank routing or account
numbers, is correct.
5. Find the tax information and tools you need at www.IRS.gov.