Tax season is officially here, and though we Texans are lucky enough not to have a state tax, we still have to meet our tax obligations to the Federal Government. Last year the Internal Revenue Service stopped automatically sending out tax forms and booklets across the country. It was not a particularly popular move, and it leaves some of us trying to figure out where to find those forms and booklets we need to file our taxes on time. I have the answers for those of you living in the Forney area.
In Forney you can pick up most of the forms and tax booklets that you will need, at the Ellen Brooks West Memorial Library at Forney High School. It is located at 800 FM 741. You can find the library hours by clicking here. The library phone number is 972-564-7027.
If the library does not have all the forms and publications you may need, you can download them or order them for free at irs.gov. Just click here for the site. Individuals can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to order forms or ask tax related questions. Businesses can call them at 1-800-829-4933.
If you are interested in filing your taxes electronically, there are a number of ways to go about doing that. You can purchase tax software, but really, there is no need. If your Adjusted Gross Income is less than $57,000.00, you can, according to the IRS site, “prepare and e-file your federal return for free.” Click here to go to the site to file your taxes for free. For those who make more than $57,000.00, there is still a free e-file option for you. “Free File Fillable Forms” will require you to enter your information step-by-step, but in the end, you are filing electronically for free. Click here for more information on that IRS program.
One of the best reasons to file electronically is so that you get your tax refund back sooner. In fact, if you have the I.R.S do a direct deposit to your checking or savings account, you can have your refund within 10 days of filing electronically. It’s always nice to get your hard earned money back as soon as possible!
The last piece of information you will need is this; the tax filing deadline for 2012 is April 17th. Because the 15th falls on a Sunday, you get an extra two days to file your return. If you need longer than that, you will need to file for an extension with the IRS. Click here for that info.