The deadline for filing tax returns has not been extended for everyone: who must pay taxes by April 15
Some taxpayers still need to pay money in April this year, although the IRS has extended the tax filing season to May 17, recalls CNBC.
Those making estimated tax payments still have to make the first quarterly levy, which must be posted on the original April 15 tax return deadline. This includes people whose income is not subject to withholding, such as self-employment income, interest, dividends, rent, and alimony, according to the IRS.
This mainly affects freelancers and gig economy workers, as well as those with small businesses, such as sole proprietors, partners and S corporation shareholders—generally anyone who doesn't work for an employer who withholds taxes from their paychecks.
The due date is different from 2020, when the IRS actually pushed back the deadline for the first of four estimated tax payments to July 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the agency did not push back the three remaining payments—the second quarterly payment was also due on July 15, 2020.
What needs to be done
To avoid penalties for underpayment of estimated taxes, people who owe more than $ 1000 in taxes after deducting withholdings and credits must pay the IRS at least 90% of current year tax or 100% of prior year tax, whichever is less.
This tax is payable in four quarterly installments and can be sent to the IRS over the internet or by check. For those with a stable income throughout the year, these payments are generally equal, but may vary for those with uneven income.
Since making settlement payments means taxpayers need to know their last year's income, this group probably won't be able to take advantage of the extended filing period.
On the subject: Taxes and immigration status: what you need to know in order not to make mistakes
To calculate the estimated quarterly payment, taxpayers need to either forecast their income for the year or have the amount of income for the previous year on hand, as in the tax return.
“You still need to file your 2020 tax return to get the bottom line and pretty much make the estimate,” said Rhonda Collins, director of tax content and government relations for the National Association of Tax Professionals. “So taxpayers will still have to do some work.”
Missed payment penalties
Meeting the estimated April 15 tax deadline can help those who need to make quarterly payments manage their cash flow throughout the year, said Sheneya Wilson, chief accountant and founder of Fola Financial in New York.
Even if you make the indicative payments, Wilson said, you can calculate your debt by April 15 and use the extension to file your tax return later.
Also, if you miss a first payment or underpayment, the fines are generally small, according to Adam Markowitz, a registered agent at CPA Howard L Markowitz PA in Leesburg, Florida.
“It’s not the end of the world if you don’t,” Markowitz said. “The first-quarter skip penalty is typically an amount of money that most taxpayers will not see.”
You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York
According to the IRS, the penalty for underpayment in the first and second quarters of 2021 is 3% for most taxpayers and 5% for large corporate underpayments.
In addition, some individuals and legal entities will have additional time to make the settlement payment for the first quarter. Taxpayers and businesses in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma must file their tax returns by June 15th, make contributions to certain accounts, and pay their first estimated tax payment.
The deadline for these applicants has been extended following severe winter storms that the FEMA has declared a disaster.
Read also on ForumDaily:
Child tax credit: what you need to know about the amount, timing and overpayment
What to do if you illegally worked in the USA and you weren’t paid
Important actions and documents: what to do in the USA in the event of the death of a loved one
Four documents without which you cannot file a tax return
Subscribe to ForumDaily on Google NewsDo you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.