if you're getting a tax refund do you have to file on time?

soda · Post by **soda** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 4:59 pm

I know I'll be getting a refund and I'm pressed for time for filing as I'm leaving for vacation soon and won't be back until the 17th. If I'm getting a refund do I need to file on time?

vapalla · Post by **vapalla** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 5:33 pm

I think you have to file for an extension. I don't know how you do that, I just know someone who does it every year.

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 5:33 pm

Have you tried searching the Internet?

Keropi · Post by **Keropi** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 6:40 pm

soda wrote:If I'm getting a refund do I need to file on time?

As far as I know, you'd still have to yes (or else I would have done that myself).

I usually start working on mine around 10PM on the last day. Then I never have time to copy the forms so I copy them by hand to the extra copy form they give.

syan · Post by **syan** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 6:53 pm

I'm pretty positive that you should be safe if you're receiving a refund. Since you're receiving a refund, it means you've already paid, plus some, so you shouldn't be penalized cause your money owed isn't late. According to the instructions (page 8 of the 1040):

To get a refund, you generally must file your return within 3 years from the date the return was due (including extensions).

Extentions are required if you owe the govt money due to the penalties and interest calculated on late amounts.

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 6:54 pm

Interesting rationalization. Do you mind if I tell other people you say I am receiving a refund it means you have already paid plus some so you should not be penalized cause your money owed is not late.

syan · Post by **syan** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 6:58 pm

Tell away Cloud. I don't think people will believe you're getting a refund though, unless you've been secretly paying off the govt.

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 6:58 pm

And why not?

syan · Post by **syan** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:00 pm

Cause you provide your services free of charge.

klet · Post by **klet** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:49 pm

Keropi wrote:Then I never have time to copy the forms so I copy them by hand to the extra copy form they give.

Can't you just use a scanner?

Or am I just ignorant and don't know some sort of special way tax forms have to be copied?

Baakay · Post by **Baakay** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 8:45 pm

Soda, I'd file for an extension to be safe. I'll bet you can do it electronically.

I have this vision of "You *would* have been getting a refund, but we had to charge you late fees because you didn't file on time... "

blueheaven · Post by **blueheaven** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 3:54 pm

You will get your refund, as long as you file an extension. That way, you are avoiding penalties which could tie up your refund.

morgan · Post by **morgan** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:03 pm

My father in law is a CPA and he says if your sure youre getting a refund you don't have to file on time - if they owe you they don't care.
Also, if you don't have the forms you can always file on line...
http://www.irs.gov/

soda · Post by **soda** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:39 pm

I'm pretty positive. In the past 3 years I've always had a large refund due to the house payment and some other factors.

Thanks for the advice. I'll see if I can get it done while on vacation and then get it finished before midnight on Monday.

thanks again

enjoy your holiday weekend

Anime-Beta TNG

if you're getting a tax refund do you have to file on time?

if you're getting a tax refund do you have to file on time?

Re: if you're getting a tax refund do you have to file on ti

Re: if you're getting a tax refund do you have to file on ti