Time Winding Down For Last Minute Tax Filers
By: Eugene Daniel
Updated: April 17, 2012
EAST PEORIA- Last minute tax payers have until Tuesday to file state and federal income taxes.
It's a day before the deadline and tax preparer Ken Walters says he's still getting calls for emergency appointments.
"That's pushing it. But you've got people that do that. And the fact is we have some people (pause) honestly they won't make the deadline," said Walters of Liberty Tax Services in East Peoria.
But college student Marisa Saenz says she's determined to beat the clock. She's filing as an independent for the first time and says she just didn't have time.
"I guess I don't know a lot of procrastination. I guess is most mainly. Just working on other stuff for school and applying for jobs because I'm a senior. And all that came first," Saenz said.
Like many, she's stressed out. But tax preparers say late filers aren't the only people with a deadline.
"It's stressful to the point when you try to get the clients returns done so they can get them mailed in time. And they don't have all of their information. We're on pins and needles so that stuff gets back," said Yvonne Hosbrough, senior tax advisor for H & R Block.
Saenz says she's learned a lesson for next year.
"Oh I definitely will file earlier. Definitely. Just to make sure it's not as stressful and it's a lot easier," she said.
Along with the rush of doing things last minute, tax preparers say you still want to make sure you do everything accurately and on time. They say there has been and an increase in audits by the IRS in recent years.
Walters say e-filing and the additional two days to file have cut down last minute appointments by at least 25 percent. He says the biggest issue for those who wait is finding out they owe money they haven't budgeted for.
