Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 15, 1994 TAG: 9404150082
SECTION: NATL/INTL PAGE: A8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short
If you can't finish your return, file for an automatic extension. If you don't have the money to pay what you owe, put it off.
As of a week before the deadline, the IRS had received 68 million returns. It expected another 35 million this week plus 5 million extension requests.
Many post offices are keeping late hours today to accommodate procrastinators, and some IRS offices are staying open for taxpayers who need forms or have questions.
By calling the IRS' Tele-Tax number, (800) 829-4477, taxpayers can listen to recorded information on 140 topics. You can check on the status of a refund with the same number, but you need the first Social Security number listed on your return and the exact dollar amount of the refund.
In its public pronouncements, the IRS emphasizes the importance of timely filing, but private tax experts stress the ease of getting an automatic extension. Taxpayers can get a four-month breather - until Aug. 15 - by filing Form 4868.
But the penalty is 5 percent a month of the amount owed.
by CNB