PHOENIX — When is the last day to file taxes? Can you file online? What if you received an extension?
Tax Day is almost here and Arizonans are searching for answers. 12News is here to help: here are the answers to your top tax season questions.
When is the last day to file taxes?
April 15 is the last day to file for tax year 2023 individual income tax returns, according to the Arizona Department of Revenue. If you are mailing in your return, make sure your return is postmarked by April 15. If you are submitting online, your returns are due by midnight, April 15.
Should I use a tax professional or prepare my own taxes?
Several online tax-filing companies offer free services, you find a tax professional online in your community, or you can try your hand at filing on your own — it really depends on your comfort level, H&R Block said. When you first file your taxes, you may not have many forms to fill out, making your tax process a little easier than it may be later on in your career.
To avoid tax scams, the U.S. News & World Report recommends checking tax preparers' credentials using the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications.
Whether you choose to file online or send in your returns in the mail, many software companies such as H&R Block and TurboTax provide online assistance, and there are local organizations that offer free in-person services, such as the AARP Tax-Aide, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or Arizona Free File Alliance.
What kind of deductions do I qualify for?
Deductions reduce your taxable income and according to TurboTax, "almost everyone" qualifies for the standard dedication or an itemized deduction. For example, if you are an employee who made contributions to an IRA, HSA or FSA, you can deduct those contributions when preparing your Form 1040.
If you're an employee who contributed to your 401(k) or other employee-sponsored retirement plan, it's even easier: those dollars have already been taken out of your wages, so you don't need to do anything differently when you file, TurboTax explains.
How much does it cost to pay my Arizona income tax with a credit card?
There is a 2.35% convenience fee and a minimum of $1.50 to make a tax payment with a credit card. If you're planning to pay with a debit card, there is a $3.50 convenience fee, according to the Arizona Department of Revenue.
I'm retired. Do I pay Arizona income tax?
According to the Arizona Department of Revenue, it all depends on your gross income. In Arizona, a full-year resident or part-year resident must file a tax return if they are:
- Single or married filing separately and the gross income is at least $13,850
- Head of household and the gross income is at least $20,800
- Married and jointly filing and the gross income is at least $27,700
What happens if I miss the tax filing deadline?
It depends on how much you owe, according to an article by the U.S. News & World Report. If you think you will miss the filing deadline, apply for an extension. If you apply for an extension, the new due date for your returns is Oct. 15. But the Arizona Department of Revenue warns people that the extension is simply for filing your returns — it does not extend the time you have to pay any taxes owed.
If you owe money and you miss the filing deadline, you could be subject to a late-filing penalty fee each month up to 5% of the unpaid balance, up to 25%, and a monthly penalty of 0.5% of your unpaid taxes for failure to pay on time, U.S. News & World Report said.
There's no penalty for filing late if you do not owe any money. But your refund may end up taking longer.
To request an extension for 2023, file Form 4868 by April 15.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.