Are You A Last Minute Filer?

1. Use electronic filing - Instead of trying to mail your return with a date cancel stamp on or before the deadline, consider e-filing your return. You will find e-filing assures you that the return is complete and correct.
2. Check tax ID numbers - Check and re-check for accuracy, any I.D. numbers contained within your return. Any inaccuracies or illegible numbers, be they Social Security, tax ID, or employer numbers will delay or potentially subtract from your tax refund.
3. Review your figures - Review the figures on your W2s and 1099s, whether you e-file or mail your return, it is vital that you transfer the amounts accurately.
4. Double-check your math - Confirm you are using the correct amount from the tax tables and that you have performed all computations for a refund or balance due correctly.
5. Don't forget to date and add your signature - If you are filing a joint return, both you and your spouse must make sure to sign. It doesn't matter if one spouse has no income, both of you must sign the return. If you had your return prepared by someone else, that person must also sign the return.
6. No refund by check - Try to Direct Deposit the refund to your bank account; this can speed up the receipt of you refund, by a significant period of time.
7. Pay your balance due - Make your check out to "United States Treasury," and send it together with the Form 1040-V, the Payment Voucher. Do not staple it to the form! Include your name, address, SSN, telephone number, tax year and form number on the check or money order.
8. Request an extension - If you have been unable to complete your return as April 15th draws near, make sure to request an extension of time to file. 
9. Use Web site access - Visit the IRS.gov website for any number of helpful brochures, publications, forms and information 24 hours a day.
10. Read it one more time - Just when you think you're all done with your return, read through it one more time for accuracy. If you catch small errors before you mail the return or push the send button, you will avoid any costly delays in processing your return and receiving the biggest refund possible.

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