Tax Day is Coming

This year the tax filing deadline for submitting 2015 tax returns is Monday, April 18, 2016, due to the Emancipation Day holiday on Friday, April 15^th. The holiday is celebrated in Washington, D.C., giving taxpayers the extra days to finish their taxes. You can use IRS Free File to get an automatic six-month extension to file your taxes. If you owe taxes, they must be paid by April 18^th even with an extension to file your return. If you can’t pay the taxes you owe, a monthly payment plan can be set up using the Online Payment Agreement option on www.IRS.gov.

Taxpayers are being alerted to phone and email phishing scams trying to trick victims into divulging their personal information. “If anyone calls you or sends you an email asking for your Social Security number, don’t respond,” Peter Franchot says. Mr. Franchot, the Maryland Comptroller, warns, “If these scammers try to talk to you, hang up immediately. These are criminals trying to steal your identity and take your money.” IRS officials say that scammers are calling or emailing taxpayers to verify the last four digits of their Social Security number by clicking on a link provided in an email, which claims that recent data breaches across the nation may be involved. Do not reply to emails requesting confidential information, especially your Social Security number, birth date, salary information or home address. If you receive an email asking for a copy of your W-2 form, contact your employer. For more information call 1-800-MD-TAXES or email mdcomptroller@comp.state.md.us