Taxpayers who are required to file a federal tax return but don’t may be in for a costly surprise. If the IRS receives a document like a Form W-2 indicating taxable income, it may file a Substitute for Return (SFR) on your behalf.
Reasons and Rules for Filing an Amended Return
Once a tax return is filed, most people breathe a little easier. But it’s not uncommon to realize too late that something was left off a return, figures were misreported or some other error was made. Accuracy is essential, but, depending on the type of error, an amendment may not be required.
Tax Refunds: Factors Affecting Refund Timing
As the tax filing season concludes, taxpayers may anticipate receiving their refund by a certain date, especially if they plan on making major purchases or paying bills. While some tax returns are processed quickly, others may require additional review, so those refunds may take longer.
File on Time Even if You Can’t Pay
Generally, taxpayers should file their tax returns by the deadline even if they cannot pay the total amount due, but if you can’t, there are several options. Let’s take a look at a few scenarios: