BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) – Do you remember the relief you felt when the tax officer gave you another month to do your taxes? Well, the deadline is Monday, and we’re exploring what could be one of the most annoying tax seasons in many years.
“‘Chaotic’ would probably be the best word I would use to describe it.”
Tim Eliason is one of the many tax professionals sweating over the law changes this year. Some of them come after tax returns have been filed. Eliason told us that many of their customers at EG Tax Service don’t know what to expect.
“They sit down and you might think they’re coming to their funeral because they just assume they’re going to owe money because they haven’t worked and all that money has come in from the government,” Eliason said.
The State Department of Taxation and Finance stands ready to help New Yorkers meet Monday’s deadline. Individuals earning less than $ 72,000 can file their taxes at both federal and state levels for free through the state website.
“It’s easy to use software. It’s a series of questions that just ask you to provide the correct information – all of the information. It will also ask you to apply for the credits you deserve, ”added NYS Taxpayer Attorney Margaret Neri.
Margaret Neri heads the New York office of the Taxpayer Advocate and says one of the most overlooked benefits of tax law is the earned income tax credit for those whose incomes are below the radar.
“If you are a family of three dependents and earn approximately $ 56,000, your combined state income tax credit would be nearly $ 8,000. That would be a refund in your pocket, ”Neri said.
And Neri says free filing is the easiest, fastest way to get your refund.
“You will be asked to enter your direct deposit information there. You will receive your refund within weeks, if not days. ”
You still need to file an extension. Neri and Tim Eliason recommend paying what you think you owe to avoid penalties and interest. In addition to the website, the State Department of Taxation’s call center is extending its opening hours to 7:00 a.m. on Monday evening.
Al Vaughters is an award-winning investigative reporter who has been on the News 4 team since 1994. You can find more information about his work here.