Last minute filers flood tax preparers

By Staff
Rebecca James, Franklin County Times
All taxes were supposed to be in the mail unless you filed for an extension by Tuesday.
Last minute filers scrambled to H&R Block Monday and Tuesday to beat the deadline.
Most tax preparers in the area kept late hours on Monday and Tuesday in order to accommodate last minute filers.
"We were pretty steady both days," said H&R Block employee Lavonda Pennington. "We always extend our hours at the end of tax season, so we stayed open until 9 p.m. both days."
Many filers were there to file an automatic extension to avoid penalties for their late returns.
"When you file an extension, you have to estimate your tax liability and go ahead and pay the amount you owe the IRS," Pennington said. " A common misconception is that that extension will also delay the time that payment must be received, but this isn't true. The extension gives you extra time to gather your paperwork, not extra time to pay."
Even if you have not filed for an extension, it is still important to fill out your taxes and send them in.
"If you didn't file for an extension, it is still necessary that you file," Pennington said. "Interest and penalties will be added to returns that were not received by the deadline."
Filers who do not have any income tax liability for the year are not required to file for an extension.
"Filers with no income tax liability for the year have until October 17 to file their returns, and if you're receiving a refund, you don't have to worry about filing for an extension," Pennington said.