What to know with tax return deadline days away

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The clock is ticking as the deadline to file your income tax return for 2023 is just days away. If you still need to file, the IRS has some information about the process that could help, like the agency's online Direct File. "So, for those who have not filed yet, I'd strongly [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The clock is ticking as the deadline to file your income tax return for 2023 is just days away.

If you still need to file, the IRS has some information about the process that could help, like the agency's online Direct File.

"So, for those who have not filed yet, I'd strongly recommend if you made less than $79,000 last year, that you consider Free File," IRS Spokesman Luis Garcia said.

Garcia said the program -- which you can find on the agency's website -- partners with eight different private sector tax software companies that provide the service at no cost to the taxpayer.

"It'll prepare your taxes for you, file it directly with us, takes care of all the calculations," Garcia said. "But if you go any other route, it's not guaranteed that it's going to be free."

Whether you file for free or not, Garcia said the best way to submit your return and get your refund as quickly as possible is to file electronically.

"If you write out your return, email it in and you ask for a paper check, you're looking at eight to 10 weeks before you get that refund," Garcia said. "And if you file electronically, and ask for direct deposit, you get it in 21 days or less."

Garcia said e-filing also makes it easier to keep tabs on when your refund will arrive.

"The 'Where's My Refund,' whether it's on our website, irs.gov, or whether you download the IRS app, that is the best way to keep my personal friends who are always bugging me about where their refund is off my back," Garcia said.

And if -- for some reason -- you're unable to turn in your return by April 15, Garcia said you always have the opportunity to extend your filing, so you get an additional six months.

"But remember, an extension to file is not an extension to pay," said Garcia. "So, if you owe, you owe on April 15."

In summary, if you've been holding out on filing, or just flat out procrastinating, Garcia suggested filing now.

"File that tax return now," Garcia said. "Get it out of the way, and make sure that your payment is in by the 15th. And you're golden."

Garcia said additional funding allowed the IRS to hire 5,000 additional employees to answer calls and questions from taxpayers, taking the agency from a record low answering rate of 14 percent last year to 86 percent this year.