Updated April 15, 2019

Most taxpayers are being affected by major tax law changes this year. While most will get a tax refund, others may find that they owe taxes. Those who owe may qualify for a waiver of the estimated tax penalty that normally applies. See Form 2210, Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals, Estates and Trusts, and its instructions for details.

The filing deadline to submit 2018 tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2019, for most taxpayers. Because of the Patriots’ Day holiday on April 15 in Maine and Massachusetts and the Emancipation Day holiday on April 16 in the District of Columbia, taxpayers who live in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17 to file their returns.

Checking on refunds

The IRS issues 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. Using the “Where’s My Refund?” online tool, taxpayers can start checking on the status of their return within 24 hours after the IRS receives an e-filed return or four weeks after the taxpayer mailed a paper return. The tool has a tracker that displays progress through three phases: (1) Return Received; (2) Refund Approved, and (3) Refund Sent.

All that is needed to use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool is the taxpayer’s Social Security number, tax filing status (such as single, married, head of household) and exact amount of the tax refund claimed on the return.

“Where’s My Refund?” is updated no more than once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so there’s no need to check the status more often.

Check withholding

The IRS encourages taxpayers to review their tax withholding using the IRS Withholding Calculator and make any needed adjustments early in 2019. Taxpayers should check their withholding each year and when life changes occur, such as marriage, childbirth, adoption or buying a home. Doing a Paycheck Checkup can help taxpayers avoid having too little or too much tax withheld from their paychecks. The IRS reminds taxpayers that they can generally control the size of their tax refund by adjusting their tax withholding.

For 2019, it’s important to review withholding and do a Paycheck Checkup. This is especially true for taxpayers who adjusted their withholding in 2018 – specifically in the middle or later parts of the year. And it’s also important for taxpayers who received a tax bill when they filed this year or want to adjust the size of their tax refund for next year.

How to make a tax payment

Taxpayers should visit the “Pay” tab on IRS.gov to see their payment options. Most tax software products give taxpayers various payment options, including the option to withdraw the funds from a bank account. These include:

• Won’t make the tax deadline? Get six more months to file your return: http://www.irs.gov/freefile;
• Can’t pay the full amount you owe? #IRS will work with you: http://www.irs.gov/payments
• Putting off filing your tax return because you owe money but can’t pay?  You shouldn’t. #IRS can help if you’re having trouble paying all you owe at once. Listen to this audio tip to learn more:  https://go.usa.gov/xEyrA
• Avoid penalties: If you cannot pay in full by April 15, pay what you can and consider a payment plan for the rest. Check https://go.usa.gov/xEUQH
• #IRS is lowering to 80% the threshold for penalty relief to taxpayers whose tax withholding and estimated payments fell short for 2018. See details at: https://go.usa.gov/xES9z
• If you owe taxes, #IRS reminds you of the many easy payment options available. https://go.usa.gov/xEUQH

Can’t pay a tax bill?

Everyone should file their 2018 tax return by the tax filing deadline regardless of whether they can pay in full. Taxpayers who can’t pay all their taxes have options including:

• Online Payment Agreement— Individuals who owe $50,000 or less in combined income tax, penalties and interest and businesses that owe $25,000 or less in payroll tax and have filed all tax returns may qualify for an Online Payment Agreement. Most taxpayers qualify for this option and an agreement can usually be set up on IRS.gov in a matter of minutes.
• Installment Agreement— Installment agreements are paid by direct deposit from a bank account or a payroll deduction.
• Delaying Collection— If the IRS determines a taxpayer is unable to pay, it may delay collection until the taxpayer's financial condition improves.
• Offer in Compromise(OIC) — Taxpayers who qualify enter into an agreement with the IRS that settles their tax liability for less than the full amount owed.

Catalyst Miami provides free tax preparation services, but ONLY during tax season which ended on April 15, 2019. If you are still looking for free VITA tax services, please check here for other tax sites.