Comments on: The Tax Filing Deadline is April 17th, 2012 but When Should You Mail Your Return or Have it Postmarked?

By: blacina

blacina — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:49:38 +0000

I just got a leter from the nystate tax dept. stating that I am denied my 2008 refund that was mailed to them on April 15th, 2012, exactly 3-years from the time it was originally due, which was April 15th, 2009. They say in the letter you have 3-years to file, but they put on the letter that I filed the 20th, which is the date they received it, not the postmark date of the 15th. Is the postmark date the valid date, as I had always thought, or is the date they receive it, if it is late, the valid date? Thanks to anyone who can help.

By: cj

cj — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:33:29 +0000

Whether you have to pay or not you are required to file a return no matter where you live or who long you’ve been living there. I’ve been an expat for over 25yrs and found this out after years, and believe me it was quite an ordeal. So best ot got on track ASAP. Call the IRS and/or a certified accountant near you.
Good luck.

By: Roe

Roe — Thu, 19 May 2011 08:30:01 +0000

What if you posted it after 18th April, is there a penalty for that? Even if you are getting a refund?

By: Nathan

Nathan — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:30:52 +0000

If I’m filing for a refund instead of owing will there be a problem or any fines for sending it in the mail a few days late?

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 16:28:37 +0000

Even if you’re getting a refund you have to file by the deadline, file for an extension by the deadline, or have it in the mail and postmarked by the deadline.

By: Jay

Jay — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 16:21:26 +0000

i am getting a refund – do i have to file by the 18th – or get an extension – or just send it in after the 18th

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:53:02 +0000

Jose, not quite. If you file by the deadline or file for an extension you’ll at least avoid the failure to file penalty, which is a stiff 5% per month penalty. But if you file on time it doesn’t waive your requirement to pay on time. So if you don’t make a payment by the deadline you will be assessed the failure to pay penalty, which is a much lower 0.5% per month penalty.

So at the very least file, or file for an extension on time to avoid the biggest penalty. Then pay as soon as possible after that.

By: jose

jose — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:37:17 +0000

Can you avoid penalties by filing for an extension but not making the mandatory payment by 4/18? I know interest will accrue, but is there anyway to avoid the penalty?

By: db

db — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:58:41 +0000

wait if it’s not due until the 18th, doesn’t that mean the payment check needs to be mailed and postmarked on the 18th?! not the 15th?!

By: MS

MS — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:11:42 +0000

If you’re getting a credit and all your paperwork is in/complete – file earlier so that you can get your return earlier. If you owe/have to make a payment – Mail it on April 18th!