Beyond Form 1040

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

I heard we have until April 17 to file federal returns this year. Is that true, and what about state returns?

Yes. April 15 is on Sunday, and April 16 is a holiday in Washington, DC. States typically extend the filing deadline to match the federal deadline. Both Illinois and Wisconsin have extended the deadline until April 17.

Beyond Form 1040 is a column written by Charles Herbst and published in The Boone County Journal in Belvidere, Illinois. Previous columns are archived on this site.

If you would like to ask a question, please click here.

If you find the information in this column helpful, please consider using my Private Tax Service. I provide professional tax prepration in a private atmosphere. For those beyond driving distance, I prepare many returns by mail, and communicate by fax, telephone and through the Internet.

For more information: http://www.privatetaxservice.com/.

Remember, newspaper columns offer general advice. The IRS insists that we remind you that if you end up being wrong and want to avoid penalties, you need to first seek specific advice about your particular situation.

Charles (Karl) Herbst, J.D., LL.M. is an attorney in Rockford, Illinois. He is licensed to practice before the Internal Revenue Service nationally and in state courts in Illinois and Indiana.

In addition to practicing law, he consults on business and tax issues. He is the author of numerous tax articles and other publications, including continuing professional education courses. He is accomplished speaker and educator, and presents to professional, civic, educational, and social organizations.