Missed Filing Deadline? Here’s What Your Clients Need to Know

Tax professionals – another tax season has passed, the filing deadline has come and gone. If you have clients who didn’t file a tax return or an extension but should have, they need to take action now. Here are some tips you can provide to help them.

  • There is no penalty for filing a late return after the tax deadline if a refund is due.
  • If someone didn’t file a return or an extension and they owe taxes, they should file a return as soon as possible and pay as much as possible to reduce penalties and interest.
  • If your client owes taxes, they can view their balance and pay with IRS Direct Pay, by debit or credit card, or apply online for a payment plan, and request an installment agreement. Before they can access their tax account online, they must authenticate their identity through the Secure Access process. There are also other secure and easy-to-use electronic payment options available on IRS.gov/payments. If payment is made electronically, clients receive immediate confirmation when payment is submitted. Also, with Direct Pay and EFTPS, clients can receive email notifications about their payments.
  • If your client needs more time to pay their taxes, they can apply for an installment agreement with the IRS. The best way to apply is to use the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool. Once the online process is completed, they’ll receive immediate notification of whether or not their agreement is approved.
  • If someone reaches out to you who qualifies, IRS Free File is still available through October 15 to prepare and file returns electronically.
  • If you are contacted by someone who doesn’t qualify for IRS Free File but they feel comfortable doing their own taxes, let them know they can use Free File Fillable Forms to e-file. This option uses electronic versions of IRS paper forms and does some of the math.
  • If your client is receiving a refund, they can get fast answers about their refund by using the Where’s My Refund? tool available on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go mobile app. To check their status, they’ll need their Social Security number, tax filing status, and the exact amount of their refund.
  • Clients looking for answers right away should check https://www.IRS.gov/help.
  • No matter how or when your clients’ returns are filed, remind them to keep a copy of their tax return and all supporting documents.

If your client hasn’t filed a tax return or extension and they owe taxes, the time to act is now in order to reduce penalties and interest as much as possible. There is help available to them, through you and the IRS.