During this Wednesday night April 15 The period to file the 2026 tax return is closed, so the Internal Revenue Service (IRSfor its acronym in English) has set up free assistance centers to help taxpayers on the deadline and clarify doubts on any related aspect.
However, there are several options for taxpayers who are not yet ready to file your taxes or what owe money to the Internal Revenue Service, so request a extension It is recommended in these cases. Despite that, there are details that can help you avoid IRS penalties or fines expensive.
According to what was stated by the IRS spokesperson, Octavio Saenzthere is two main fines. However, the Internal Revenue Service spokesperson explained that taxpayers who cannot yet file their taxes or owe money do not necessarily have to face both sanctionsso it is better to know the case.
“The first fine is for not submitting a declaration on time; it is 5% of the tax owed for each month, up to a maximum of 25%“Saenz added. Therefore, for a person who cannot pay his entire debt, submitting the declaration on time allows him to focus on the penalty for non-payment, which is 0.5% for each month.
April 15: Last day to file taxes in the US.
Although this Wednesday, April 15, is the last day to file taxes in the United States, people who worries who will not finish on time can request a extension with the IRS, which will give them until next Thursday, October 15 to file the return, not to pay the taxes owed.
According to the IRS, people who file their taxes need their Social Security numberyour records savings and investments and one of the following three forms, depending on each situation: the W-2 form for employees, the form 1099-G for the unemployed and 1099 form for entrepreneurs.
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Despite this, for those who run out of time To file your tax return, you can request an extension to have more time through the postal mail, the traditional physical delivery service for documents and packages. Additionally, the armed forces receive an extension automatic two months, until June.
In this situation, there are aspects that must be taken into account: attach all the documents or forms for the declaration, declare the income that is taxablemaintain a declaration and corroborate personal data and bank accountsas well as signing or attaching the exact date, which is necessary for the process to be valid.
How to avoid errors when filing taxes?
- Double check the details on the card Social Security: Some people may have adopted a new last name after you get married, but if that hasn’t been updated yet, the IRS says you’ll have to use your old name to avoid delays.
- Declare all income: If any individual had more than one job In the tax year, you need W-2 forms for everyone, not just the last job you did.