Crunch Time on Taxes

April 9, 2009 by blackgirlgrown
Filed under taxes

6 days and counting until taxes are due. There is really no way around it. Worse still, if you owe taxes and ask for an extension, you still need to send a check with the approximate amount that you owe. That begs the question on why you would need an extension in the first place.

Be that as it may, the Internets have been running tax articles in constant rotation, all designed for procrastinators like us to get it in gear by April 15th because average Americans like you and me WILL get in deep trouble for not filing. Unlike the folks running the government in Washington, DC, we have no Obama card to play with the IRS.

So here are a couple of links that might be helpful in the run-up to April 15th. As Ben Franklin recalled more than two centuries ago, “[i]n this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.”

For you conspiracy theorists who believe some how you are not required to pay taxes and that some how the Internal Revenue Service is an illegal entity, read the truth about frivolous tax arguments.
What is your money used for? For “the common good” they say. Most expenditures are admirable. How do you think President Obama’s universal health care reform is gonna get paid for? Take a look at the President’s budget to see where your dollars are going.
Unemployed and think you don’t have to pay taxes? Not so much. You’ve got to file for any income you had last year and taxes on your unemployment.
House crisis hit you last year? Here is information on foreclosures and your taxes.
Can’t seem to find all the deductions you’re due? Try these tips from CNN’Money.com on making more of a dent in your tax liability.
Looking for forms and directions? Every form and publication you could wish for is available online at the Internal Revenue Service. They make it a little too easy.
Lucky you. Realized you paid too much money in taxes? Learn about how to change your withholdings for this year.
Not so lucky? And no money to pay the taxman to boot? Find out how to make arrangements and steps to follow.
Even though President Obama has been in office for less than 4 months, there are lots of changes in the tax code for 2008. Some good, some bad.
More questions? Check out the IRS’ magnanimous “frequently asked questions” database.