Tax deadline

returns through June 19.

Even so, millions of taxpayers still did not file a 2019 tax return yet. Some did delay because they owed money and the July 15 extension waived penalties and interest for those who owed.

Some could easily have done their taxes via TurboTax or some other software; they just decided to delay everything as long as possible.

Others didn’t feel safe going anywhere to get their taxes done. On top of that, many tax preparation offices closed during the economic shutdown that was put in place in many states to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

The IRS shut down its live phone lines for answering questions, as well as Taxpayer Assistance Centers at the height of the tax season amid the health crisis.

For a short time, some buzz had built that maybe the procrastinators would get another break. But on June 29, the Department of Treasury and the IRS announced that the tax filing and payment deadline of July 15 will not be postponed.

“We think after the July 4 holiday ( there) will be a ‘ wake- up call’ and people will realize the deadline is coming fast,” said Nathan Rigney, lead tax research analyst with The Tax Institute at H& R Block.

Here’s what you should know if you need to file by July 15:

Will I be able to find tax help?

Some tax preparation sites are open to walk- in customers who want to drop off their taxes but you may need an appointment if you want to sit down and talk with someone. It’s best to call first.

Jackson Hewitt is offering a “Document Drop Off” where clients can drop off their tax documents at a local office – and introduced a “Tax Pro From Home” service enabling clients to work with a tax professional remotely.

H& R Block has a new pilot program that offers “pick- up tax service” in Detroit, San Diego and Pittsburgh.

With the service, an H& R Block tax professional comes to a client’s home to pick up tax documents. The return is then prepared and the taxpayer reviews the return and approves it remotely.

An H& R Block survey indicated that 58% of Detroit residents are anxious about leaving their homes. Some may work in jobs that require them to selfquarantine; others may have health issues that make it necessary to be more cautious. To schedule a pick- up appointment, call your participating office at 800- 472- 5625.

It’s still possible to find free tax help, if you qualify, too.

The Accounting Aid Society has temporarily halted all walk- in services due to COVID- 19. But many lower- and middle- income families will still be able to receive free online services.

The nonprofit volunteer income tax assistance group is offering to prepare taxes through what it calls “VITA ACE” for those with incomes up to $ 56,000. See https:// accountingaidsociety.org/ vita- ace/. Or you can call 313- 556- 1920.

The “ace” stands for “accessible, convenient and electronic.”

The Accounting Aid Society is able to prepare your taxes entirely online, while consumers stay safe at home. So far this year, the group has served more than 1,300 taxpayers through the VITA ACE program. Services will continue through the end of 2020 and can assist consumers with meeting the Sept. 30 home heating credit deadline and those needing to file prior year returns.

To tap into the program, you would need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a working camera.

Can I get more money by filing by July 15?

Yes. An unexpected consequence of waiting until now to file, H& R Block’s Rigney noted, is that the IRS may owe you interest if you are due a refund and file by July 15.

“That’s because the IRS recently announced that if you are a due a refund, the IRS will pay you interest for each day that passes after April 15 until the IRS issues the refund,” he said.

“Interest rates range from 3% to 5% depending on when the IRS refunds your overpayment,” Rigney said.

The interest could be included with your refund check or issued separately depending on timing.

Do I need to file a state tax return now, too?

Several states offered an extension of the income tax deadline until July 15 to match the federal extension.

The Michigan Department of Treasury reiterated that state income tax returns must be submitted electronically or sent through the U. S. Postal Service before midnight on Wednesday, July 15.

In Michigan, the Treasury estimates that the state is down around 640,000 individual income tax returns, which either need to be filed by July 15 or consumers can request an extension to Oct. 15. In a normal tax year, the state is typically down around 1.5 million returns right before the April tax deadline, according to Ron Leix, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Treasury.

As of June 26, the state has issued $ 1.9 billion in tax refunds to more than 3.1 million filers. The average refund amount was a bit more than $ 628.

Often workers in the gig economy – freelancers, the self- employed, investors, retirees and others – may need to make estimated payments because a substantial part of their income is not subject to withholding tax.

If you make estimated payments each quarter for your federal taxes, you’d also owe the April 15 and June 15 payments for tax year 2020 on July 15.

How do I pay?

If you owe money but don’t have it, the IRS has a variety of payment options. See IRS. gov/ payments.

Taxpayers can even make a cash payment if they don’t have a bank account or credit card at participating 7Eleven stores, Ace Cash Express and Casey’s General Stores nationwide. There is a $ 1,000 payment limit per day and a $ 3.99 fee per payment. And you should look into the “PayNearMe“program before the tax deadline because it involves a three- step process that takes time to complete.

What if I don’t have my paperwork in order yet?

It is still possible to file IRS Form 4868 on or before July 15 to receive an automatic extension until Oct. 15 to file your tax return. That’s an extension for filing a return. If you owe, you would still need to pay by July 15 or be subject to penalties and interest.