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7 tips for procrastinating taxpayers before the deadline

Haven’t filed your taxes yet? You’re not alone.

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In fact, millions of Americans are waiting until the very last minute to do their taxes this year. And with returns due on April 17, time’s running out.

Check (and recheck) to make sure you have all the documentation you need.

One of the first steps to filing a tax return is having the appropriate forms. Be sure to have the proper paperwork, whether it’s a W-2 or 1099, if you are determined to file before the deadline. And remember to keep copies of your tax return information and documentation.

File an extension if you know you won’t be able to meet the deadline.

If you're running low on time and are worried about making costly tax mistakes, consider filing for an extension. This will give you up to six more months, but you'll still need to pay any taxes owed by April 18. Find IRS Form 4868, "Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Tax Return" on the IRS website and submit it before the filing deadline.

Take advantage of free tax services.

If you make $64,000 a year or less, you can use the IRS' "Free File" software to file your taxes. Those who make $54,000 or less, the elderly, anyone with disabilities or who speaks limited English can also use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which offers free tax help as well.

Be mindful of the midnight deadline.

Planning to mail in your tax return? Remember, it must be postmarked by midnight Tuesday, but because post offices close at the end of the regular business day, you might have only until the end of the business day to get the necessary time stamp. And if you’re filing electronically, you must have a time stamp before the midnight deadline to avoid late penalties.

Opt to file your taxes online.

There are many upsides to filing your taxes electronically, one of which is the post office hassle. It’s also useful for those who are pressed for time and wary of making errors. The IRS reports that the error rate among returns filed electronically is less than 1 percent. For paper returns, the error rate is considerably higher, at 21 percent.

Don’t forget about these commonly overlooked deductions.

According to CNBC, several deductions are commonly missed by taxpayers, including:

  • Student loan interest: You can deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest paid in a given year, but be aware of income limits to this deduction.
  • Moving expenses: If a new job or transfer required your relocation and if the new workplace is at least 50 miles farther from your old home compared to the distance between your old workplace and your old home, you may qualify.
  • Property taxes: Do you have multiple properties or timeshares? Consider tax deductions for your additional properties, including RVs or boats.
  • Non-cash charitable contributions: Do you donate to Goodwill or the Salvation Army? Collect and include your receipts when you file for this deduction. You'll need to use Form 8283 if your deduction for all non-cash gifts is over $500, CNBC reported.
  • Contributions to certain tax-advantaged accounts: Have a high deductible health insurance plan? You could have access to a health savings account that could be used for future medical costs or for retirement savings. According to the IRS, if you have self-only HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $3,400. If you have family HDHP coverage in 2017, you can contribute up to $6,750.
  • Miscellaneous deductions: If you have costs that exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income, such as tax preparation fees, you can claim that amount of expenses.
  • Medical deductions: You can deduct qualified medical and dental expenses that exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income for the year.

Prepare for next year.

Start prepping for Tax Day 2019 by creating a folder to keep track of your spending and house any receipts that may get you a refund next year. You can also consider making an appointment with an accountant.More last-minute tips are available at IRS.gov.