2006 FILING SEASON TAX TIPS
FOR KTLA-TV 5 INTERVIEW WITH
IRS REPRESENTATIVE MARIA ELENA JAUREGUI
(pronounced “How-reh-ghee)
1. What’s the Tax Deadline This Year?
Normally the tax deadline is April 15, but that date falls on a Saturday this year, so you’ll
have until Monday, April 17 to file. Even with those two extra days though, try to avoid
the last-minute rush for doing your taxes. Start now!
2. Where Can We Get IRS Forms and Publications?
• Internet: You can download forms and publications on the IRS website 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, at www.IRS.gov.
• Phone: Call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) to order forms and publications.
you should receive your order within 10 days. But time is running out so order soon!
• Walk-in: During the tax-filing season, many libraries and post offices offer free tax
forms to taxpayers. Some libraries also have copies of commonly-requested publications.
3. How Should You Go About Choosing a Tax Preparer?
Be as careful in selecting a tax preparer as you are in selecting your doctor or lawyer.
Remember that no matter who prepares the return, you the taxpayer is ultimately
responsible for its accuracy.
Be careful with tax preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other
preparers. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount of your
refund. Never sign a blank tax form. Find out the person’s credential—ask your friends,
neighbors.
4. How Can Taxpayers Get Free Tax Assistance?
Call the county 211 info line, the IRS Hotline at 1-800-829-1040, or AARP Tax Aide at
1-888-AARPNOW. These hotlines have information on Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance (VITA) and Tax Aide sites that help low to moderate-income taxpayers and
the elderly with their taxes and the EITC. These sites are basically for folks whose
incomes are below about $40,000.
5. What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?
*The earned income tax credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low to moderate-income people
who earn under $37,263. A tax credit usually means more money in your pocket. It
reduces the amount of tax you owe. But to claim it, you have to file a federal tax return.
*The earned income tax credit could help more L.A. taxpayers, but only about 75 percent
currently participate. Call the county 211 line for a free tax assistance site that can help
you get the EITC.
*Use the EITC Assistant at www.irs.gov It’s available in English and Spanish and is an
easy way for both taxpayers and tax preparers to determine EITC eligibility.
6. Why Should You Consider E-Filing?
It’s faster, safer, and more accurate, and you can get your refund in as little as two weeks
if you choose direct deposit. For the first time last year, more than half of all taxpayers e-
filed and that percentage is increasing.
7. What Is This New Program Called “Free File?”
The IRS is working with Free File Alliance, a group of tax software companies, to help
taxpayers electronically prepare and file their federal tax returns for free. But you must
go to the IRS web site at www.irs.gov and click on the link for “Free File.” Free File is
basically available to taxpayers with adjusted gross income under $50,000.
8. Should You Itemize?
Itemizing depends on how much you spent on certain expenses last year. Money paid for
medical care, mortgage interest, taxes, charitable contributions, etc. can reduce your
taxes. If the total amount on such categories is greater than the standard deduction, you
can usually benefit by itemizing.
The standard deduction amounts for 2005 are:
Single $5,000
Married Filing Jointly $10,000
Head of Household $7,300
Married Filing Separately $5,000
9. What Are Some of the Most Common Mistakes Folks Make When They Are
Doing Their Taxes?
Double-check your math. The No. 1 errors we see every year are math errors that need to
be corrected. But remember also that doing your return by computer and e-filing
dramatically reduces any math errors.
Make sure the names and Social Security or other identification numbers for yourself,
your spouse and your dependents are correct and legible. Otherwise, exemptions could
be disallowed or the child tax credit could be denied.
Be sure to report interest income, dividends, and capital gains: Your bank tells the IRS
about your earnings. Remember to include interest income, dividends, and capital gains
on your tax return.
Be sure to sign and date the return. Over 1 million people each year forget to take that
one final, simple step when they file by paper. If the return is not signed, it will not be
accepted by the IRS. And remember that both spouses must sign a joint return.
10. What If You Owe Taxes and Can’t Pay?
Consider applying for an IRS installment agreement, suggesting your own monthly
payment amount and due date, and getting a reduced late payment penalty rate. You also
have various options for charging your balance on a credit card. There is no IRS fee for
credit card payments, but the processing companies charge a convenience fee.
11. What If You Have Just Run Out of Time?
Request an automatic six month extension of time to file by submitting Form 4868. This
extension just gives you more time to get all the completed tax forms in. You will still
owe interest on any amount not paid by April 17, plus a late payment penalty. But not
filing anything at all can be even more costly, resulting in a stiff, separate failure to file
penalty. So, get that Form 4868 in by April 17 and pay as much as you can.
12. How Can I Find Out the Status of My Refund?
Go to the official IRS web site at www.irs.gov and click on the “Where’s My Refund?”
link which will tell how to guide you to your refund’s status. The system is secure and
privacy is ensured.
Do NOT open any emails that come into your computer saying that you have a refund
coming from the IRS. This is a scam and a trick by thieves who are trying to steal your
identity and personal financial information. The IRS does not send unsolicited e-mail to
taxpayers.