Liberty Tax Can Help with October 15th Tax Extension Deadline

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This October 15th may feel more like April 15th to many as the 6-month extension to file 2011 tax returns ends on Monday. Procrastinators are scrambling to Liberty Tax Service (NASDAQ:TAX) offices to beat the deadline. In September, the Internal Revenue Service said that many of the 11+ million taxpayers who requested an automatic six-month extension this year still have yet to file.

A common misconception for filing the extension is to delay payment. But this is not the case – if you owe taxes your payment deadline was April 15. Late payment penalties and interest are assessed when you do not send the IRS your tax obligation by the tax deadline. The late payment penalty is usually 0.5% of your unpaid taxes, with the maximum at 25%.

The IRS will also assess a late filing penalty of 5% of the unpaid taxes not paid by the due date for each month your taxes are late, with a maximum also at 25%. If your payment is more than 60 days past due, the minimum late filing penalty is $135 or the balance of the taxes you owe, whichever is less.

Taxpayers have a number of options available to pay their tax liability. Those that can pay their tax liability in full can do so by debit or credit card, electronic funds transfer or check or money order. Or taxpayers can ask the IRS for permission to make monthly installment payments by attaching Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request to their tax return. Another option for payments is to have the funds directly debited from a bank account. A Liberty Tax office can assist you with these options.

Liberty Tax Service reiterates the importance of double checking your tax return and not rushing through it, possibly missing credits and deductions. There is a little good news for late filers out there: if you get money back, you won’t be charged any penalties or fees at all.

And many people still have time to file. The IRS has allowed more time for some people, including members of the military and others serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or other combat zones (to identify these zones visit http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=108331,00.html). Also people with extensions in areas of Louisiana and Mississippi affected by Hurricane Isaac also have more time, until Jan. 11, 2013, to file and pay.

About Liberty Tax Service

Founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, Liberty Tax Service has over 4,100 offices in the United States and Canada. The parent company of Liberty Tax, JTH Holding, Inc. is publically traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ: TAX).

Liberty Tax Service offers its clients more than just tax returns and filings, Liberty Tax translates government regulations and laws into real life terms so clients better understand the qualifications and applications. Liberty Tax stands behinds community enrichment efforts, as well, by sponsoring various non-profits such as Relay For Life, Cell Phones for Soldiers, Wounded Wear, VetFran, March of Dimes and Run For Food.

For a more in-depth look at Liberty Tax Services, visit www.libertytax.com or the Give Me Liberty! Magazine. Contact Liberty Tax directly at 1-877-at-Liberty.