Lodi tax season picking up as April deadline gets closer
In about a month the filing period for taxes will be over, and with things coming down to the wire, many tax preparers are starting to find themselves pretty busy during this time of year.
According to Jackson Hewitt tax preparer Nick Powell and Verna Langstaff with Saldana & Associates, things have been pretty steady this tax season. With the April 15 deadline approaching, however, crowds are gradually starting to grow.
“It usually gets crazy about the last week of March and the first two weeks of April,” Powell said.
Langstaff agreed.
“More people are coming in later this year, it seems, than in prior years,” she said.
Langstaff advises those who haven’t filed their taxes yet to get started as soon as possible.
“With the end coming up so soon, if there is anything you need or you’re still waiting for, at least you know what that is. My best tip is to get in as quickly as possible and at least get started,” Langstaff said. Powell had similar advice. “Try to get it done as soon as possible — don’t wait until the last second,” Powell said. “Even if they owe money, they can file and they don’t have to pay until April 17. They don’t have to pay what they owe to the IRS that day.”
Powell advises those who haven’t filed yet to make sure they bring all their information, including social security cards, when going to a tax preparer. Those itemizing should bring in every form they have, including mortgage interest, he said.
One common mistake Langstaff said people often make when filing taxes is not keeping adequate records. She also pointed out that some married people think that they can file as “head of household” instead of “married” and get a better return. That’s not the case, Langstaff said.
Some people decide to file on their own, Powell said, and can miss out on credits, such as the earned income or child tax credits.
Under the recently signed tax overhaul, Langstaff advised that people check they are not withholding too much. She said Saldana & Associates is willing to help with that.
Powell said some of the tax refunds have been delayed for verification reasons. Usually it takes seven to 10 days but sometimes it
can take up to three weeks, he said.
Saldana & Associates are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend and later appointments are available. For more information, call 209-224-5410.
Jackson Hewitt is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 209-791-5224.