Tax Day: What you need to know about deadlines, extensions

April 15, 2024

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

JACKSON, Tenn. — With the tax deadline ending April 15 at 11:59 p.m., it is important to get the proper documents filed and understand the different extensions.

“If you are like 70% of most Americans and make less than $79,000 a year, you qualify for Free File. And Free File is a partnership between the IRS and several different software tax software companies. They provide their software for free,” said Luis Garcia with the IRS.

“You can also often find free versions of some of the popular programs like TurboTax and H&R block. Cash App Taxes is a really good free tax program,” said Ted Rossman with Bankrate.

If you prefer to file through the IRS, you can also check your eligibility for their program, IRS Direct File.

For those that may not be able to file their taxes before the deadline, you can request for an extension to file.

The deadline to file would be extended until October 15.

“But remember, extension to file is not an extension to pay,” Garcia said.

And if you are looking for updates on your status, Garcia shares what to keep in mind.

“It only updates once a day,” Garcia said. “It updates in the middle of the night, and it’ll tell you where in the process your refund is and approximately when you’re going to get that refund.”

And switching gears to future filings, Rossman gives advice on adjusting your withholdings.

“Honestly, if you get a big refund this year, the best approach might be to adjust your withholding so that you get more of that in your paycheck throughout the year. I know everybody loves getting a refund, but frankly, it’s your money that you’ve lent to the government with an interest free loan for many months. So I like the idea of trying to break even at tax time,” Rossman said.

Visit the links below for online resources on tax filing:

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