IR-2020-150, July 13, 2020
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers with a filing requirement to file an accurate tax return on time even if a balance due can't be paid in full. The deadline to submit 2019 tax returns is July 15, 2020, for most people. Members of the military serving overseas may have more time.
File electronically to avoid most common errors
Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit remains the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a refund. Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information.
An inaccurate tax return can delay a refund.
Some common errors to avoid include:
Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers. Enter each name and SSN exactly as printed on the Social Security card.
Incorrect filing status. The Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov can help taxpayers choose the correct status. Tax software also helps prevent these mistakes.
Math errors. Tax preparation software does all the math automatically. Math errors are common on paper returns.
Figuring credits or deductions incorrectly. Taxpayers should follow the instructions carefully, and double check the information they enter when filing electronically. The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant can help determine if a taxpayer is eligible for certain tax credits.
Unsigned returns. Both spouses must sign if filing jointly. Taxpayers can avoid this error by filing their return electronically and digitally signing it. Exceptions may apply for military families if a spouse is serving overseas.
Filing with an expired individual taxpayer identification number.
In most cases, tax software helps to reduce or eliminate these. Find complete details on all the benefits of filing electronically, including IRS Free File, commercial tax prep software or an authorized e-file provider from the File page on IRS.gov.
Checking on refunds
The IRS is processing electronic and paper tax returns and issuing refunds. The IRS normally issues most refunds in less than 21 days. Taxpayers who mailed a tax return will experience a longer wait time. There is no need to mail a second tax return or call the IRS. Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov is the most convenient way to check the status of a refund. It has a tracker that displays progress through three phases: (1) Return Received; (2) Refund Approved; and (3) Refund Sent.
All that is needed to use Where's My Refund? is the taxpayer's Social Security number, tax filing status (such as single, married, head of household) and exact amount of the tax refund claimed on the 2019 tax return. It is updated no more than once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so there's no need to check the status more often.
Taxpayers should file now, schedule full or partial tax payments up to the July 15 due date
Taxpayers can pay online, by phone or with their mobile device and the IRS2Go app. When paying federal taxes electronically taxpayers should remember:
Electronic payment options are the optimal way to make a tax payment.
They can pay when they file electronically using tax software online. If using a tax preparer, taxpayers should ask the preparer to make the tax payment through an electronic funds withdrawal from a bank account.
IRS Direct Pay allows taxpayers to pay online directly from a checking or savings account for free.
Taxpayers can choose to pay with a credit card, debit card or digital wallet option through a payment processor. The processor may charge a fee. No fees go to the IRS.
The IRS2Go app provides the mobile-friendly payment options, including Direct Pay and payment processor payments on mobile devices.
Taxpayers may also enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) and have a choice of paying online or by phone by using the EFTPS Voice Response System.
Can't pay a tax bill?
Everyone should file their 2019 tax return by the July 15 tax filing deadline regardless of whether or not they can pay in full. Taxpayers who owe and can't pay all taxes due have options including:
Online Payment Agreement — Most individual taxpayers and many business taxpayers may qualify to use Online Payment Agreement to set up a payment plan. Taxpayers can setup a plan on IRS.gov/paymentplan in a matter of minutes. Setup fees may apply for some types of plans.
Delaying Collection — If the IRS determines a taxpayer is unable to pay, it may delay collection until the taxpayer's financial condition improves. In light of COVID-19, IRS postponed many compliance efforts until July 15 or later under the People First Initiative.
Offer in Compromise (OIC) — Taxpayers who qualify enter into an agreement with the IRS that settles their tax liability for less than the full amount owed.
Find more information on when, how and where to file see Tax Information for Individuals.
Need an extension of time to file a 2019 tax return?
Those who need more time to prepare their 2019 federal tax return can apply for an extension of time to file. An extension of time to file does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes owed. File an extension request, estimate and pay any owed taxes by the July 15 deadline to avoid possible penalties.
Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. Filing this form gives the taxpayer until October 15 to file a return. To get the extension, the taxpayer must estimate their tax liability on this form and pay any amount due
Taxpayers can also get an extension by paying all or part of their estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or a credit or debit card. This way they won't have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records.
Check withholding
The IRS encourages taxpayers to do a Paycheck Checkup as soon as possible to avoid having too much or too little tax withheld this year. Too much normally results in a refund while too little lends itself to taxes owed next year. Taxpayers should check their withholding each year and when life changes occur, such as marriage, childbirth, adoption or buying a home.
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is an excellent tool to help people plan and make any needed tax withholding adjustments.
Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov. They can use these resources to get help when it's needed at home, at work or on the go.
More resources:
Interactive Tax Assistant
IRS Podcast: Owe Taxes But Can't Pay?MP3