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SALT LAKE CITY -- Tax Day is next month, but taxpayers will have a little extra time to file their returns. This year, the deadline for filing federal income tax forms will be April 18, instead of the normal date of April 15.
The bonus days come because of Emancipation Day, a little-known Washington, D.C., holiday that celebrates the freeing of slaves in the district.
While Emancipation Day falls on Sat., April 16, it is observed in Washington on Friday, April 15. The observance prompted the Internal Revenue Service to extend the tax filing deadline three days.
Under the tax code, filing deadlines can't fall on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. The last time an extension was granted for this reason was in 2007.
As for filing returns, taxpayers are encouraged to do so earlier than later and electronically, rather than "the traditional way."
"If you file electronically and you have a refund coming, you'll get in a matter of a couple of weeks," said Utah Tax Commission analyst Charlie Roberts. Filing a paper return will likely mean waiting months to receive a refund, he said.
Roberts said last year, nearly 70 percent of Utah taxpayers filed their returns electronically. Just three years ago, the state passed the 50 percent benchmark for electronic filing, he noted.
Nationally, the IRS announced last week its latest effort to help some struggling taxpayers. The agency introduced a series of new steps to help people get a fresh start with their tax liabilities.
According to a release, the goal is to help individuals and small businesses meet their tax obligations with new policies and programs to help taxpayers pay back taxes and avoid tax liens.
The IRS also announced that about 100 offices would be open on Saturday, March 26, to help taxpayers. The location of participating offices can be found listed at IRS.gov.
For more information on state tax issues, visit http://tax.utah.gov.
E-mail: jlee@desnews.com
