Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, April 15, 2013
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Procrastinators - your time is just about up. Monday is Tax Day and the deadline to file with the IRS.
Brooke Martin of WISH TV8 reports that the IRS says 97 million American taxpayers filed by April 1, and one million still haven't filed at all.
Meaning tax preparers are getting ready for a last minute rush. Last minute tax filers are nothing new to preparer Jim Geswein, but this year may be different.
"We think it will be busy," said Jim Geswein with H&R Block. "It's always busy but we think it will be busy tomorrow without a doubt."
According to the IRS, one million Americans have yet to file. Geswein blames it on the fiscal cliff mess.
"With the change on January one with the fiscal cliff, I understood there was something like 4,400 changes in state tax laws and 1,100 changes in federal tax laws," Geswein said.
It also caused software problems that made it impossible for some to file early on. But if you think the IRS will allow you to file late because of it, think again.
"You can request an extension but an extension is an extension of time to file not time to pay."
If you're unable to pay, there is an installment plan available. Geswein says it's cheaper than getting hit with a fine or possibly flagged by the IRS.
New reports are saying the IRS will be monitoring social media for any clues of tax cheats.
24-Hour News 8 asked the service about it and they responded by saying, "Suggestions that the IRS is using social media to target taxpayers for audit are wrong."
But their statement goes on to mention, "instances where we monitor publicly available information to assist with already existing compliance work."
To avoid watchful eyes altogether, just file, says Gerwein, and soon, because often it's a longer process than you expect.
"Every other return I've done this weekend, people had to go home and find something or go home and get something or go home to get the wife to sign or this thing or another. "
You can file online or in person until midnight Monday. H&R Block says it will stay open until the last minute to help everyone file on time.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.