2019 Tax Day: 4 Things You Need To Know In Port Chester

PORT CHESTER, NY — Tax day is just about here. In New York you have until April 15 to file your 2018 federal tax returns without incurring a penalty from the Internal Revenue Service. Unlike previous years, when local holidays have pushed out the date and given taxpayers a little extra time to file, the 2019 date falls squarely on April 15. That’s Monday.

Since the deadline is fast approaching, the IRS encourages taxpayers to e-file their returns for a number of reasons. The IRS says electronically filing tax returns is secure, convenient and means refunds — for those lucky enough — will be delivered faster. The agency also notes that the e-file service can be used whether you owe money or are owed a refund.

For those who prefer to file their tax returns the old fashioned way and mail it to the IRS, the return must be postmarked by the filing date deadline.

The federal tax return filing deadline is April 15 and the extension deadline is October 15.

Here are four things you need to know about filing your taxes:

1: Hudson Valley residents can find a list of post office locations nearby by searching on the USPS website and calling a local post office to find out the hours for tax day.

2: To help taxpayers avoid being scammed, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance highlighted some common tactics used by identity thieves and cybercriminals. The strategies to steal sensitive personal data range from the simple to the complex, as described in the examples below.

Threatening calls: Scam artists who use this tactic try to bully or trick victims into disclosing private information, or convince them to wire money to pay a tax debt or fine. If a caller, perhaps posing as a New York State Tax Department or IRS agent, threatens an arrest or fines, it’s a scam. Neither agency threatens taxpayers, and they notify taxpayers by letter first before making any calls or sending any emails.

Unusual emails: Phishing emails often contain links that can activate malware or lead to phony websites that request personal information. Misspellings or unfamiliar logos in the email or subject line are obvious clues that it’s a scam attempt, but some of the bogus emails and websites are convincing. Hovering over the links may reveal an unusual webpage address (URL) that confirms the sender’s true intent. To be safe, simply delete these emails and any that are unsolicited, and never click the links within them.

Remember, the Tax Department never requests personal or financial information by email.
Offers to collect tax payment in person: If a caller claiming to be from the Tax Department or IRS offers to meet you at a specified location to collect a payment, it’s a scam. This is never an option with the IRS or Tax Department. End the call immediately.

Request for a specific type of payment: If you’re being told to pay through a prepaid debit card or an iTunes gift card, this is a tell-tale sign of a scam. The Tax Department and IRS provide various payment options, but the use of gift cards isn’t one of them.

Scams that New Yorkers should be on the lookout for include:

• Scammers who impersonate U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service, or other government officials and call taxpayers in an attempt to collect phony tax debts;
• Scammers who claim consumers owe past tax debts and insist that consumers pay using a prepaid credit card or gift card;
• Taxpayers receiving an unexpectedly large “tax refund” from the IRS, which they then must return because it was stolen from another individual.

Attorney General Letitia James offers the following tips:

• If you owe money, you will receive a legitimate notice in writing that identifies the agency and the reason you owe money;
• Do not give out personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information, or other payment information, to telephone callers;
• Legitimate government organizations will never threaten arrest or deportation for failure to pay a debt;
• Legitimate government agencies will never insist that consumers pay a debt only via a pre-paid credit card, gift card, or wire transfer.

3: Free Filing Options — Here are some tax tips, recommended by the National Consumers League, to help save money on tax preparation, and get help navigating the delay.

• Those who generally make $55,000 or less may qualify for free tax preparation assistance from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs in their community. These programs are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who can help consumers navigate the delay and keep 100 percent of their refund.
• There is an online option available through the IRS's Free File Program. The program is available to more than 70 percent of all taxpayers (anyone making $66,000 or less) and gives consumers access to name-brand tax filing software from some of the biggest names in the tax prep business.

4: Before You File

• Be sure you have all W-2s, 1099s, and other withholding information before filing your return. Don't rely on year-end pay stub information – it may not match what your employer reports to us.
• Provide all necessary information on your return and attach all required documents and schedules.
• Be sure spelling of your name(s), Social Security number(s), and all calculations are correct.
• If you moved since you filed your last return, use your current address.
• Gather your records. Make sure you have all your tax records. This includes receipts, canceled checks and other records that support income, deductions or tax credits that you claim. If you purchased health insurance through the Marketplace, you will need the information in Form 1095-A to file.
• Report all your income. You will need to report your income from all of your Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statements, Forms 1099 and any other income – even if you don't receive a statement – when you file your tax return.

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