A third of Americans file taxes at the last minute. Why that might be a bad idea

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The May 17 deadline for submitting 2020 taxes is swiftly approaching.

If you have not filed your taxes but, it is time to begin on them.

As many as 33% of Americans procrastinate doing their taxes and wait till the very last minute, in line with a current survey by IPX 1031. The causes taxpayers put it off range — 40% say submitting is just too time-consuming, 22% mentioned it is too annoying and one other 22% need to make sure that they’re submitting appropriately.

Others simply aren’t in a rush — 10% of respondents mentioned they don’t seem to be in a hurry to file, as they don’t seem to be getting a refund. Another 6% are frightened they’re going to owe cash.

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This yr, many taxpayers have have postpone submitting as a result of the IRS delayed the deadline for individual returns to May 17 from April 15, giving most Americans a further month.

“Now it is nearly May, and you do not have that a lot time,” mentioned Ed Slott, CPA and founder of Ed Slott & Co. “Never wait.”

The IRS has obtained almost 111 million 2020 returns via April 16 and processed greater than 100 million, according to the agency. So far, the IRS has despatched out greater than 73 million refunds, with a mean of $2,873.

Important tax modifications this yr

Filing taxes is further vital this yr.

It’s the solely method to get any refunds you are owed, stimulus checks you have been eligible for however did not obtain and to take benefit of 2020 tax breaks resembling the earned revenue and youngster tax credit, to call a few. Sending your data to the IRS as quickly as doable may also defend you from tax fraud.

It’s additionally vital to file for the upcoming yr. Families with youngsters eligible for the new enhanced youngster tax credit score have to file a 2020 return to obtain payments set to start in July. Filing can be a chance to simply replace your direct deposit data and handle in the occasion additional help is shipped to households.

Those who have not filed but ought to submit their data electronically, as it is also the quickest method to have a return processed and get a refund. The IRS mentioned that it’s taking longer for the company to deal with paper-filed returns, in addition to all tax return-related correspondence.

Many can file their federal taxes for free — in case your adjusted gross revenue was lower than $72,00 in 2020, you need to use the IRS Free File program. Those who made greater than $72,000 may also file free of charge via the IRS fillable varieties, however have to organize their taxes with out digital help.

Deadlines are further vital for those who owe

To be certain, the submitting deadline is most vital for many who might owe the IRS cash. If you are owed a refund, the deadline is much less of a problem for those who aren’t anxiously awaiting getting your a refund, in line with Adam Markowitz, an enrolled agent with Howard L Markowitz PA CPA in Leesburg, Florida.

Taxpayers owed a refund can declare it as much as three years after the submitting deadline by submitting a tax return for that yr to the IRS.

And, whereas submitting is the quickest method to get your refund, the IRS has skilled delays in processing and sending cash out this yr. Generally, tax refunds are issued inside 21 days, however this yr might take extra time to evaluation, in line with the company.

If you owe the taxman, it is vital you stick with the submitting deadline to keep away from paying further penalties and late charges. Even for those who apply for a six-month extension, the deadline to pay the IRS continues to be May 17.

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Disclosure: NBCUniversal and Comcast Ventures are buyers in Acorns.



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Ariel Shapiro
Ariel Shapiro
Uncovering the latest of tech and business.

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