Last minute tax filing tips | News

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Have you filed your taxes? If not, time is running out!

This year, you have until April 17 to post mark your return.

Laura Taylor just finished her 2011 tax return.

Laura Taylor: "I planned on being done much sooner but I finished a day ahead of time, I'm excited."

Nicole Bell: "Why did you wait so long?"

Laura Taylor: "I didn't mean to — I had everything together in a folder."

If you haven't filed, don't panic. If you need more time, file for a six-month extension.

"Go to IRS.GOV. On the front page are all the forms — how do I file, how do I pay my taxes, it's very interactive," said Tracy Pouzar, accountant with West End Accounting.

Keep in mind, if you owe the government money you must pay by the April 17 deadline.

There's no way around it.

If you're not sure how much you owe — give a guess, based on prior tax returns.

"The easiest thing to do is to go back to last year and send what you sent last year if you owed money," said Pouzar.

E-filing will also save you time.

"Paperwork doesn't get lost. You're not standing in line at the post office, you're not trying to figure out if I should send it certified or not — you don't have to worry about all that," Pouzar added.

In past years, local post offices stayed open until midnight to accommodate those who procrastinate.

That won't be the case this year.

The main post office on Brook Road is the only location in the Richmond district that will have extended hours. It will close at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

As for Laura, she's breathing a sign of relief.

"I'm going to try and prepare better for next year," said Laura.

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