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The budget stalemate in Washington cannot be used as an excuse for avoiding filing your federal income tax returns.
Taxpayers who requested a six-month extension to file their individual income tax returns are reminded that today's October 15th deadline remains in effect in spite of the temporary government shutdown and lapse in federal appropriations. The IRS reports 12 million taxpayers who requested the six-month extension for filing their 2012 individual income tax returns had not yet filed as of October 8th. Many of these tax returns are expected to be filed electronically. The IRS reports its electronic filing services are not affected by the government shutdown.
Taxpayers who may have tried to contact the IRS during the shutdown are often greeted with a recorded message explaining that the offices are closed pending a resolution to federal budget matters. At some regional offices, live operators are still available. Yet, all of this does not mean deadlines and tax obligations have changed or been delayed.
The only taxpayers who do not face this deadline, should they have not already filed their federal income tax returns, are those serving in designated combat zones in active military service and many Colorado residents who were affected by recent floods and landslides. These taxpayers must still file for a special extension in order to avoid late filing penalties.
Any taxes due must also be paid or the individual may face penalties. However, the IRS says tax refunds will not be issued until normal government operations resume.
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us at McRuer CPAs at 816.741.7882.
