Digging Deeper: Tax Deadline | News

LEE COUNTY, GA- With just four days before the April 17th tax filing deadline, millions or Georgians are rushing to complete their taxes.

Thousands will likely realize over the weekend they'll need more time... even though they're getting an additional two days this year.

Every year millions scramble to file their income taxes before April 15th.  This year the deadline falls on Sunday, giving you an extra day to file.  Emancipation Day in Washington D.C. Monday will give you one more.

"This year we have those two additional days which is very beneficial to our clients and to us so they don't have to make a mad rush to get it in by the weekend," said Veda McNair, H&R Block Office Manager.

Preparers say taxpayers have three options as they approach Tuesday.

"You have a file now and you can pay later option, where the client can come in and file their return but they can pay the fees later but they will incur penalties and interest.  They have a file now and pay now with a credit card which will keep them from owing and penalties and interest," said McNair

The third option, to file late, by October, and pay after the deadline, but again that comes with penalties and interest. 

Tax preparers say it's common to have errors.  The most common, leaving out your social security number, failing to sign the form, earned income credits figured incorrectly, math errors, and incorrect tax amounts entered from the tables.

"You still have the same time frame to go in and do an amended return," said McNair.

One of the biggest misconceptions.

"Some people don't think they have to file because all their getting is unemployment and that's not so.  I think that's one of the largest misconceptions we've had in the last two years," said McNair.

Preparers say the IRS is surprisingly willing to work with tax payers and generous about giving you some options to get your return handled.

"They can get on payment plans and other things if they can't pay the full amount up front so that's something we definitely make sure that our clients are aware of," said McNair.

Digging deeper nearly 36,000 Georgians who haven't filed a tax return for 2008 are missing out on more than $30 million in unclaimed refunds.  To collect time is running out.  You must file that return by this tax day, Tuesday.

Ironically, this year's tax day is also tax freedom day.

That's the day Americans collectively begin earning money that doesn't go toward paying taxes. 

For more tax tips click here

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