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Final tax-filing deadline fast approaching

September 24, 2007

I saw that bad IRS television want-ad again. Yes, I was up watching late-night cable programming; how else am I going to get my X-Files fix?

Anyway, you remember the ad. I blogged about it back in the fall. It’s the IRS’ pitch for seasonal employees.

It’s reappearance can only mean one thing. It’s tax-filing season again.

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Back in April, almost 10 million taxpayers requested an extension to file their 2006 returns. A good number of those folks will no doubt put off their final filing duties until the ultimate last moment, which is Oct. 15.

So Uncle Sam is seeking some help in dealing with the uber-procrastinators.

If you’re one of the very last minute filers, remember you’ve got just three weeks from today to get your return done. The IRS and its new workers would appreciate any help you can give them by filing at least a bit before the drop-dead date.

Getting computer help: For you folks who plan to use a software program to finally fill out your returns, I want to point you in the direction of my tax-blogging colleague William Perez at About.com: Tax Planning. He has tested dozens of computer tax programs over the years and shares his latest analyses here.

You’ll notice that one of the options William discusses is free e-filing. There have been some questions about the system, as noted in my earlier post on tax law accuracy issues. But for many, it’s still a good — and free! — way to get returns to the IRS on time.

So check out the Free File Alliance page and see if it works for you.

Calling for refund requests: And don’t forget that this is your last chance to collect your phone excise tax refund. Be sure to ask for it when you file that 2006 return by Oct. 15.

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The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic. 

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TO WRAP UP 2026

It’s over! With October’s extended filing deadline behind us, it is now time to focus on year-end moves to reduce your 2026 tax bill. 

You’ll find ways to do just that on the Tax Tips page (see the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of the blog), as well as the separate tax tip pages for each month, notably October through December. If you’re on the Tax Tips page, you’ll find a monthly list at the end of this column. If you’re on another blog page, you can head straight to the October tips; at the bottom of that tips page you’ll find links to all the other 11 months’ collections of tax advice.

Not to spoil what you’ll find in that tax advice, but it does cover such things as tax deductions for charitable donations, investment moves that could reduce tax due, and ways to max out your tax-favored retirement savings. 

Finally, as the year winds down, things get hectic. There are lots of other things to occupy our time, like the much more fun upcoming holidays. But don’t lose sight of taxes, since timing is key. To be of use, most tax moves must be made by the end of the tax year. That’s Thursday, Dec. 31, which also is the last business day of the year. 

So that you don’t miss that final tax year deadline, also keep an eye on the countdown clock below. It will keep you on top of just how much time is left to make important, tax-saving moves. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

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