Deadline to file taxes is approaching; still time to turn to these tax-filing resources

Damon C. Williams, Bucks County Courier Times

The clock is ticking on people who haven't yet filed their taxes, as the deadline for filing Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, or the 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for seniors, is Monday, April 15.

To help last-minute filers, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is extending callcenter hours up to and through the deadline. Beginning on Tues., April 9, late filers can call 717-787-8201 to connect with theCustomer Experience Center.

Call center hours leading up to the deadline:

  • Tues., April 9 through Fri., April 12: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

  • Sat., April 13: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

  • Mon., April 15: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

"We know from our experience that many of our fellow Pennsylvanians who have personal income tax questions benefit from speaking directly with one of our trained representatives on the phone," Revenue Secretary Pat Browne said in a press release. "That's why we make a push during this time of year to offer as much phone support as possible prior to the filing deadline. We also have a number of customer resource options on the Department’s website that provide answers to common questions and will help taxpayers get their returns filed on time."

Where can I get help with taxes in Bucks County?

Bucks County residents who still need to file taxes have several low-cost resources they can turn to.

The Bucks County Opportunity Council is offering VITA, a free tax preparation service for any Bucks County resident earning $60,000 or less. Tax filers can request an appointment with the BCOC through an online form.

The United Way of Bucks County suggests tax filers use the MyFreeTaxes online tool to file federal tax returns for free.

The IRS also has for-free tax filing options online.

2024 tax season primer: Where is my tax refund? How to check the status of your refund, and how to still file

Revenue Department offers statewide tax preparation assistance

Final week filers can also turn to the revenue department's online tax center or stop into one of its district offices for assistance.

"Personal income tax assistance is also available through the department's Online Customer Service Center. The (center) contains answers to hundreds of common income tax questions and allows taxpayers to securely submit a question to the department through a process that is similar to sending an email," read the statement from the revenue department. "The Department of Revenue's district offices are also open to provide customer service.

"Taxpayers are encouraged to call ahead to schedule an appointment and bring their Social Security cards and a photo ID with them to facilitate tax filing assistance," the statement continued. "District offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday."

I need an extension to file my taxes. What should I do?

If you absolutely cannot file your taxes by April 15, then you will need to file an extension.

According to the IRS, individual tax filers can use the IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. There are a few caveats, however.

"Please be aware that an extension of time to file your return does not grant you any extension of time to pay your taxes," read a portion of the IRS' tax filing extension website. "You should estimate and pay any owed taxes by your regular deadline to help avoid possible penalties.

"You must file your extension request no later than the regular due date of your return."

Where is my tax refund?

The IRS issues most refunds in about three weeks, but it could take four weeks or more to process your return if you mailed it in as opposed to filing taxes electronically.

The IRS also identified causes of possible delays in processing your tax refund:

  • Contains errors or is incomplete

  • Needs further review in general

  • Is affected by identity theft or fraud

  • Was referred to the IRS by the bank due to suspicious activity

  • Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit

  • Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process

The IRS also has an online tool filers can use to find out when to expect their tax refund.

To use the online tool, filers will need to have their social security number, filing status and expected amount of return.

Filers can use the online tool 24 hours after e-filing a tax year 2023 return, four days after e-filing a tax year 2022 or 2021 return, and four weeks after mailing a return.

Damon C. Williams covers trending and regional developments for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Where is my tax refund; April 15 tax deadline approaches

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