IRS shares advice as tax deadline quickly approaches
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Time's running out for you to do your taxes.
"Our goal at the IRS is to make the tax filing process as simple and as easy as possible," IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said.
Werfel says the IRS is ready to help with more workers in call centers and for walk-ins, an updated IRS website, and by offering direct file for millions of Americans.
"We're excited about all these changes that we're making to help serve taxpayers better," Werfel said.
The IRS has already processed more than 88 million tax returns and Werfel says recent investments have made the process quicker for last-minute filers.
"Two out of every three taxpayers that file with us are owed a refund. And we need to be ready to help them get those refunds timely," Werfel said.
BankRate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman encourages taxpayers to file electronically for the fastest refunds.
"You can still be snagged if you filed on paper but if you file electronically, and you don't have any weird exceptions or mistakes, most people are getting those refunds within about three weeks," Rossman said.
The IRS warns filers against the biggest mistake made when filing.
"They file an incorrect return or an incomplete return," Werfel said.
Rossman says don't be late. The consequences of missing the deadline are severe.
"If you don't file at all, there can be a 5% penalty assessed every month. The failure to pay is half a percentage point every month so that can still add up," Rossman said.
You have until April 15th.