20 The QUEE NS Courier • march 28, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com tax tips Last-minute tips for filing your tax returns BY BARY LISAK Barry Lisak, EA, is an IRS Enrolled Agent who has operated a tax preparation office for over 30 years. Any questions or comments, please contact [email protected] or 516-829-7283. The tax filing season is just around the corner. The IRS offers tips for taxpayers Photo courtesy THEWHO.com s still working on their returns. File electronically. IRS e-file is safe, easy and the most common way to file. E-file is now the norm; not the exception. In 2011, nearly 110 million people used e-file to transmit their returns. If you expect a tax refund, you’ll get the money faster when you e-file, because the IRS processes electronic returns faster than paper ones. Check all numbers. Carefully check Social Security numbers for each person listed. This includes you, your spouse, dependents and persons listed in relation to claims for Child and Dependent Care or Earned Income Tax Credit. Missing, incorrect or illegible Social Security numbers can delay or reduce a tax refund. Double-Check Your Figures. If you are filing a paper return, you should double-check that you have correctly figured the refund or balance due. Check the Tax Tables. If you are filing a paper return, double-check that you have used the right figure from the tax table. Contribute to Retirement Accounts: If you haven’t made an IRA (deductible or non-deductible) or Roth IRA contribution for 2012, you have until April 15th. Sign Your Form. You must sign and date your return. Both spouses must sign a joint return, even if only one had income. Anyone paid to prepare a return must also sign it. Electronic Payments. Electronic payment options are convenient, safe and secure methods for paying taxes. You can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal, or use a credit or a debit card. Can’t Pay the Taxes Due. If you owe taxes but can’t pay the full amount by the deadline, file your tax return on time and pay as much as you can to avoid tax penalties and interest. Extension to File. By the April due date, you should either file a return or request an extension of time to file, Form 4868. Remember, the extension of time is not an extension of time to pay. GRAND OPENING SPECIALS FREE EYE EXAM (with purchase of frames) expires 6/30/13 • Most Insurance Plans & Union Plans Accepted • Optometrist Specializing in Family Optometry & Ocular Diseases • Contact Lens Exams & Fittings • Gorgeous Designer Frames • Affordable Fashion Frames • Kids & Teens Frames • Pediatric & Sports Eye-Wear • Sunglasses • On The Spot Eyeglass Repair • Student, Senior, Veteran & Group Discounts • DMV Exams • Free Parking • Elevator Access BAYBRIDGE OPTICAL BAYBRIDGE COMMONS SHOPPING CENTER 208-36 Cross Island Parkway • Bayside 11360 Second Floor • 718-224-1833 “Two Decades Of Personalized Service” [email protected] PHOTOgraPHers WanTed! The Queens Courier is looking for a talented pair of eyes to join our team. experienced, knowledgeable Photographers should contact Toni Cimino at [email protected] At Gilman Ciocia, you’ll receive 25% OFF* whatever you paid your accountant last year. And that’s only the beginning. We like saving people money on their taxes - and we’d like to help you. With the economy the way it is, there’s never been a better time to take control of your taxes. Call to schedule an appointment Queens Office: 35-30 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing, NY 11358 718-304-2035 www.gtax.com Jim Ciocia, Founder and Chairman *$99 minimum tax preparation fee. Please bring your invoice from last years tax preparation fees. Offer available for 2012 tax returns only. Not to be combined with any other offer. Non-negotiable. No cash value. If you had your taxes prepared by Gilman Ciocia in 2012, you do not qualify for this promotion. This discount must be requested at time of service, no credits will be issued after the tax return has been filed. Offer expires March 31, 2013.
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