Still working to complete your tax returns? You are not alone. More than 153 million Americans are expected to file individual returns this year. As we know, April 15 is the traditional deadline for federal income tax filings. However, this year, the date falls on a Saturday and the District of Columbia will be observing Emancipation Day on Monday, April 16. The IRS notes that under the tax law, legal holidays in the District of Columbia affect the filing deadline across the nation. Thus, the deadline for filing 2016 tax returns is Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

The IRS offers the following tips for individual filers:

• The quickest way to file a tax return is electronically through an authorized IRS e-file provider. These can be found through the IRS website, contacting an authorized tax preparer or by conducting a search on the Internet. Otherwise, make sure to mail and postmark your return by April 18th.
• If you are an individual taxpayer who earned less than $64,000 in 2016, you can also use IRS Free File to prepare and e-file your taxes online at no cost. Click here for more details.
• If you thought about preparing your own tax return, but now realize you don’t have time or really don’t want to do it yourself, the sooner you see an accountant or tax preparer, the better as offices are getting very busy. The IRS notes most reputable tax professionals will request to see receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your qualifications for deductions, expenses, and other items. And remember, you are still held legally responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in your tax return no matter who prepares it.
• Each year, a relatively small number of tax returns are subject to an audit. An audit is a process whereby the IRS makes sure than individuals and businesses are in compliance with U.S. tax law. To learn more about IRS audits, see USLegal Definitions section below.
• Need more time to complete your tax return? You can obtain an automatic six month extension by filing Form 4868.

• Choose direct deposit to speed up the process of receiving your refund. The IRS says its goal is to issue most refunds in less than 21 days.
• Where’s my refund? You can track the status of your refund online or on the IRS mobile app. Click here for details.

USLegal Special Product Offers

Home Sale Forms Pages – A home sales contract is a vital document that must be properly drafted to meet legal requirements and protect the rights of the buyer and seller. Our property form packages and home sales contracts can save thousands in legal fees in a home for sale by owner (FSBO) or other contract for real estate transaction. Instant Download for $49.95. Order Now

Affidavit Forms – USLegalForms.com offers several types of affidavits including general purpose, heirship, small estate, and domicile to name a few. Order Now starting at $14.95.

Name Change Forms – Court Name Change, New Bride Name Change and More!

Unsure how to legally change your name? Start with a name change form from U.S. Legal Forms. Legal name change forms are available for adults, minors and families. Download the name change form package you need or order our preparation services.  View Products

Resource Partners

Zander Insurance Group – Zander Insurance Group®, Dave Ramsey’s choice for term life, disability insurance, and Identity Theft Protection, has been serving its customers for over 80 years. As one of this country’s largest independent insurance brokerages, we are here to provide you convenient and informative access to the insurance programs you need. Don’t hesitate to call us…we look forward to being of service to you. Learn More

Safedocs – Safedocs provides hosted, video enabled, online authentication and notarization services. The company is comprised of attorneys, notaries, engineers, digital transaction management, and financial services professionals with a common goal of transforming the notarization market. Designed for enterprises with consumers in mind, we perform online notarizations across the US and internationally – fast, convenient, and secure. Learn More

Complete Case – USLegal is pleased to announce a new partnership with CompleteCase.com, a premier web-based divorce preparation service. The alliance now makes it easier for consumers to complete the required documents in their home state necessary to file for an uncontested divorce. Visit USLegalForm.com and select the option for CompleteCase.com divorce form preparation services and receive further guidance on preparing legal documents pro se or without an attorney that can be filed in court.  Learn More

Earth Class Mail –  USLegal is pleased to announce a new partnership with Complete Case, a premier web-based divorce preparation service. The alliance now makes it easier for consumers to complete the required documents in their home state necessary to file for an uncontested divorce. Learn More

ArbiClaims – USLegal has entered into a partnership with ArbiClaims, a premier web-based dispute resolution service that provides online arbitration, to allow you to avoid court and resolve small claims disputes online. The alliance now makes it easier for individuals and businesses to settle disagreements quickly, efficiently, and affordably. Examples of matters that can be handled include disagreements over loan repayments, past due invoices, car repair, security deposits, services contracts or any other matter under $15K.  Learn More

Additional Annoucements

Attorney? Add your listing to the USLegal Attorney Directory.

Document Preparation Services – answer a few questions and USLegal legal professionals can assist with preparation of your Last Will, Living Will, Name Change, or Power of Attorney forms. Complete questionnaire

USLegal.com would like to hear from you. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about our products or topics you’d like for us to feature in upcoming newsletters, please email them to Carrie Criado at [email protected].

Law and Legal Definitions

Audit Law and Legal Definitions

Each year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) conducts audits on individuals and businesses to ensure that they are in compliance with U.S. tax law. The percentage of people and businesses subject to these audits is relatively small—for tax year 2004, for instance, the IRS audited only 1 percent of tax returns filed by individuals and 2 percent of returns filed by all corporations. More

For more legal definitions, please visit our free online legal dictionary at http://definitions.uslegal.com/.