It's here. April. The month you've got to file something, either your tax return or an extension request.
Even if you ask for more time to get all the I's dotted and T's crossed on your official filing, you'll have to do at least a down-and-dirty return to see if you owe the Internal Revenue Service any money.
But don't freak out. Yes. April 17 is drawing near. But you still have time to get your 1040 (or 1040A or 1040EZ) finished.
Just don't get in too big of a hurry. That usually leads to costly tax mistakes.
Perennial filing faux pas include making math errors, picking the wrong filing status, entering in wrong bank account numbers when asking for direct deposit of your refund, overlooking 1099 and other income, forgetting or entering incorrect Social Security numbers and overlooking deductible charitable donations.
If you'll owe and want to pay electronically, consider using the IRS' Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or EFTPS. You need to sign up soon to make sure your account is activated by the filing and payment deadline.
And remember that Tax Day is not just the deadline for your annual tax return.
It's also the day that the first estimated tax payment of 2012 is due April 17. And it's the last day you can put money into your traditional or Roth IRA for the previous tax year.
These are just a few of the tax tasks to take care of this month. Find others in the April Tax Moves listed over in the ol' blog's left column.
Just scroll down a bit to find many more ways to ensure you meet the April filing deadline.
You also might find these items of interest:
- 2011 retirement account contribution limits
- 22 hours needed to complete Form 1040
- Tax filing preparation checklist
