RENO, Nev. — As the April 15 tax filing deadline looms, the IRS is urging taxpayers to file on time to avoid penalties and interest. Raphael Tulino, a spokesman for the IRS, emphasized the importance of filing, saying, “If you have a requirement to file, you should do so. That way you avoid penalties and interest that can accrue on your account if you have a balance due.”
Filing requirements vary based on factors such as gross annual income, marital status, age, and dependency status.
Tulino noted that while most people are required to file, those with lower to moderate incomes might not have to, but should still file to receive any eligible benefits. “Most of us have a requirement to file but generally those on the lower to moderate income side of things may not have a requirement but should do so in order to get the benefits that are due then should they be eligible,” he said.
The IRS offers several filing options on its website, including ‘Direct File.’ Nevadans eligible for this service must have lived in the state for all of 2024, earned all income in Nevada, and not be filing as ‘married filing separately.’
Tulino advised caution when using third-party services, stating, “Choose somebody reputable, word of mouth, you know, somebody who’s looking out for your best interests. Look at the return. Make sure it reflects your situation appropriately.”
Taxpayers expecting a refund should generally receive it within three weeks if opting for direct deposit.
Tulino also warned of tax scams, stating, “Under no circumstances, the IRS reaching out to you by a text or an email or providing any advice on social or anything like that as to how to do your taxes or what benefits would help you going forward, especially if it sounds like it’s too good to be true.”
For those needing more time to file, a 4868 form can be submitted by midnight on April 15 for a six-month extension. Tulino clarified, “The key with extensions is it’s an extension of time to file and not to pay. So if you owe or you think you owe, then next week is still your deadline. Otherwise, you risk penalties and interest that can accrue on the amount you owe going forward.”
The extended deadline would be October 15.
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