INDIANAPOLIS — If you filed for an extension on your 2020 taxes, you must file your return by Friday, Oct. 15 to avoid penalty.
The Internal Revenue Service says an estimated 188,400 Hoosiers filed for tax extensions.
“October 15 is the deadline for just about everyone,” said IRS spokesperson Stacy Engle. “Only members of the military and others serving in a combat zone, have more time. They normally have 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file and pay any taxes due.”
The IRS recommends you file your return electronically to avoid delays and speed the processing of your return. The IRS also suggests you have your refund electronically deposited into your bank account. Taxpayers can use direct deposit to deposit their refund into one, two, or even three accounts.
IRS Free File is still available for taxpayers who earned $72,000 or less in 2020. It allows people to prepare and file their federal income taxes online for free.
If you did not file a 2020 tax return, owe tax, and did not request an extension, you can generally avoid additional penalties and interest by filing the return as soon as possible and paying any taxes owed, says the IRS. Taxpayers can file now and schedule their federal tax payments up to the Oct. 15 due date.
