Don't sweat tax time

LIMA — Taxpayers have two extra days to get their taxes filed this year, but that does not mean you should wait until the last minute.

Taxpayers have until April 17 to file 2011 tax returns and pay any tax due because April 15 falls on a Sunday, and Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, falls this year on Monday, April 16.

However, tax officials advise to not put off filing. It's at the top of tips provided by IRS spokesperson Jennifer Jenkins.

For those expecting a refund, they often have incentive to get their filing done. For others and other procrastinators, Jenkins says this:

“Why wait till the last minute? It will be more stressful and you'll be more likely to make a simple mistake, because you haven't given yourself time to double check, and make sure you've included everything you need.”

The IRS opened up the system to receive electronic returns Jan. 17. Employers have until Tuesday to begin distributing paperwork such as W-2 forms, so employees should receive their materials by the first week of February. In other words: Tax season is upon us. Here is what you need to know:

I want my refund quickly. What's the fastest way to my cash?

Taxpayers who file electronically and request direct deposit have a refund processed within 14 days, Jenkins said. Those who payer file and request a paper check (yes, the IRS can still cut an actual check) will wait several weeks for their tax return to be processed and issued a refund.

“Certainly there are incentives to file electronically,” Jenkins said.

Efile has been around since 1986, when computers were the size of refrigerators. The overwhelming majority of taxpayers, 80 percent in the country and Ohio, Efile now, Jenkins said.

In total more than 4 million returns will be filed electronically this year.

I'm old school. I want paper forms, but can't find them. What do I do?

In 2011, for the 2010 tax year, the IRS stopped the practice of automatically mailing paper forms to taxpayers. All of the forms are available to be printed off at www.irs.gov. Also, taxpayers can call the forms and publications customer service office at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) to request forms be mailed to them. Taxpayers must specify the forms they want. Some forms are also still available at some local libraries and post offices, but Jenkins advises taxpayers to call before they make a trip.

Most tax professionals are going to choose electronic filing, unless a client requests a paper return. For clients who request paper filing, the IRS will require, you guessed it, a form to be filled out saying they elected the paper return.

Efiling, however, is becoming the way of the world. It saves trees, time and cash. While Efiled returns cost a couple of dimes to process, Jenkins said, paper returns cost a couple of dollars each. Multiply that to millions of returns, and taxpayers receive a considerable savings.

How do I know a tax preparer is reputable and not shady?

Just with other services, scams for tax preparation abound.

“It's important to vet your tax return preparer, just as you would anyone to whom you're giving access to your personal financial information,” Jenkins said. “You really want someone you can trust.”

Jenkins offers the following advice:

• Request the professional's preparer tax identification number. All paid preparers are required to put the number on returns they prepare.

• Select a preparer or service that you can contact two to three years in the future. IRS audits often don't happen on current tax years, but go a couple of years back.

• Make sure you understand everything on a return that someone has prepared for you.

• Don't sign a blank return.

• Don't fall for claims of a certain guaranteed amount of refund.

I need help doing my taxes. Is there any free assistance?

In Lima, people seeking free help with their taxes have at least two options:

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offers free tax help to low-to-moderate income people. United Way of Greater Lima and Superior Federal Credit Union run a local program helping income-qualified people with basic return preparation. In 2011, more than 350 people had their taxes prepared at no charge through the program, saving them nearly $35,000 in tax preparation fees and bringing back more than $610,000 in federal and state income tax refunds. Call 419-879-4864 to schedule an appointment.

Also, AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax help primarily to seniors, but will also help anyone of any age for any reason, said Ron Hefner, district coordinator. When the agency volunteers work at Allen County Council on Aging and Senior Citizens Center, they must help people age 60 and older. When they work at the AARP office at 221 N. Main St., they can help anyone.

“We anticipate a heavy week,” Hefner said. “We have about 50 volunteers. We usually have eight on site each day. We like to have appointments. People should call first and we can explain what they need to do. We'll ask lots of questions, to determine what credits are available to them. Make sure you bring identification, your Social Security card and your documents.”

The office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 419-225-9405 for an appointment.

Senior centers in Delphos and Bluffton also have tax help available.

To locate VITA sites, call 800-906-9887. To locate AARP Tax-Aide sites, call 888-227-7669.

Civic-minded people can also be trained to help prepare returns through either of the programs. Email tax volunteer@irs.gov or type “tax volunteer” in the search box at irs.gov for information about the training. Of, if you'd rather, the IRS has, you guessed it, a form for volunteer sign up. It's Form 14310.

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