2017 Tax Return Deadline Approaching

There is just 14 days left for taxpayers to file their 2016 federal income tax returns and the Internal Revenue Service is offering some last-minute reminders to make sure those returns are filed correctly and on time.

According to IRS spokesman Mark Green, one of those last-minute tax tips is to not wait until the last minute.

“Probably the most important thing at this point is to choose electronic filing,” said Green. “Now is the time to file electronically versus a paper return because that’s where the errors come in, and the electronic filing would give you the option to claim additional credits that you may not be aware of.”

Some of the most common errors with paper returns include forgetting to sign your return, leaving out your social security number, entering the wrong tax amount and basic math errors.

Another reason to file electronically is that most taxpayers can e-file for free if they make less than $50,000 a year.

This year, April 15 falls on a Saturday, meaning that returns are due by midnight on April 18.

Green said that’s also the deadline for those who have not yet filed their 2013 returns to do so.

He said that the IRS is holding millions in unpaid refunds from that year.

“About 34,000 Georgians who have yet to file a 2013 tax return are missing out on more than 32 million dollars in unclaimed refunds,” said Green. “That’s a lot of money, but we want taxpayers to examine their 2013 W2’s, 1099R’s and estimated taxes. If you didn’t file a return, you need to file it by midnight on April 18 of this year.”

If you end up owing money on your 2016 return, there is no need to panic.

Green said that the IRS will work with you to establish a payment plan if you cannot pay what you owe all at once.

To get additional help filing your return, you can go online to IRS.gov or call them toll-free at (800) 829-1040.