Tax Day: What you can do to file with the IRS today

For the extreme procrastinators out there, there’s still hope for this year’s taxes. There are even still some things you can do that could change the final result of your return, like putting money into an individual retirement account.

“For families that don’t have many deductions, what families can do at this point is – to lower their tax liability, is to deposit money into an IRA,” said Luis Caballero with El Paso Affordable Housing. “They can still deposit that today, and complete their tax return, obviously by today.”

Caballero is an IRS-certified volunteer, preparing basic electronic tax returns for lower income families that qualify through the VITA program.

You can also fill out extension form 4868 to get an additional six months, though you’ll face a penalty and interest if you owe Uncle Sam money.

Now is also a good time to look ahead to next year’s taxes. Based on your return for this year, you can adjust how much will be sent to the government for next year.

“One big strategy is to make sure that, if you don’t want to be in a situation where you have to pay out of pocket for next tax season, is to make sure your withholding is being deducted at its highest levels,” Caballero said.

If you still need help with your taxes, you have until midnight to file a return or extension request. And if you make less than $52,000 a year, you may be able to get assistance from the VITA program.

There are workshops throughout the day and night to provide help:

Houchen Community Center
609 Tays
Tue 5:00pm-9:00pm

Security Service Federal Credit Union
545 N. Americas
Tue 5:30pm-8:30pm

GECU Resler
1500 N. Resler
Tue 5:00pm-8:00pm

Bowling Family YMCA
Prepares Federal and New Mexico State Returns
5509 Will Ruth Ave.
Tue 9:00am-12:00pm
Tue 1:00pm-3:00pm

El Paso Affordable Housing CUSO
Prepares Federal and New Mexico State Returns
6801 Viscount Blvd.
Tue 5:00pm-8:00pm
Call (915) 838-9608 for Schedule C appointments

Ysleta del Sur
11200 Santos Sanchez
Tue 9:30am-4:00pm

Lower Dyer Community Center
3506 Fillmore
Tue 8:30am-4:30pm

AYUDA Inc
1325 Beverly Ann
Tue 9:00am-2:00pm

For more information, visit http://www.freetaxeselpaso.org/about.htm