sarea | question about taxes

Okay, bear with me, because this is the first year I've done my taxes completely by myself (previously, my dad did them, or looked it over after), and I really know very little about it. This was also the first year that I filed online (couple weekends ago), and I'm nervous because I asked to have my refund deposited into my bank account, but so far there's been nothing. I'm only worried because supposedly doing it that way makes it happen faster, but now I'm imagining a worst-case scenario in which it hasn't been filed at all.

So my questions are:

1) Does the IRS issue refunds before April 15, or can it be at any time? How can I know for sure that they've received my tax return? Since it's April 14, it's not too late for me to mail out a copy of my return tomorrow if I need to ... should I do that just in case, or am I worrying for nothing?

2) What happens if you don't file on time? Does that mean that if you were expecting a refund, you can kiss it goodbye? Or since they don't know you're supposed to get a refund, do they come after you and go, whereTF is your tax form bi-ach?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The IRS does issue refunds prior to April 15 but the turnaround time still applies. Had you filed a return back in January you might have gotten your refund in March.

If you don't file on time you can make a late filing with a monetary penalty, and failing that you can expect armed goons to show up at your door. You can also file for a free extension at any time, up to and including April 15, which gives you more time to submit your return but does NOT extend the payment deadline (e.g. you have to pay whatever they say you owe, and then if you have deductions or whatever they will give you back the difference plus your normal refund after you submit your return).

If in doubt, go to irs.gov and become totally confused.

I assume you also filled out your state return, if required.

I am so glad I have had an abusive little brother all these years to set me straight.

So I guess what I should do is file for an extension, and then hope that my return actually gets there on time, and it won't matter. I did not file a state return, as my state does not have income tax. :D

question about taxes

You are such a wimp.

Re: You are such a wimp.