Special Notice: tax deadline extended for Suffolk County filers

Both the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service announced a three-month tax filing and payment extension to Boston area taxpayers and others affected by the bombings at the Boston Marathon on April 15.

This relief applies to all individual taxpayers who live in Suffolk County, Mass., including the city of Boston. It also includes victims, their families, first responders, others impacted by this tragedy who live outside Suffolk County and taxpayers whose tax preparers were adversely affected.

Federal taxes: No filing and payment penalties will be due as long as returns are filed and payments are made by July 15, 2013. By law, interest, currently at the annual rate of 3 percent compounded daily, will still apply to any payments made after the April deadline.

Massachusetts taxes: By law, the state cannot waive any interest accruing with respect to state tax payments that were due April 16.

The IRS will automatically provide this extension to anyone living in Suffolk County. If you live in Suffolk County, no further action is necessary by taxpayers to obtain this relief. However, eligible taxpayers living outside Suffolk County can claim this relief by calling 1-866-562-5227 starting Tuesday, April 23, and identifying themselves to the IRS before filing a return or making a payment. Eligible taxpayers who receive penalty notices from the IRS can also call this number to have these penalties abated.

Eligible taxpayers who need more time to file their returns may receive an additional extension to Oct. 15, 2013, by filing Form 4868 by July 15, 2013.

Taxpayers with questions unrelated to the Boston tragedy should visit IRS.gov, or contact the regular IRS toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040.

Where can I get tax forms at the BPL?
How else can I get tax forms?
Where can I get help with my taxes?

Where can I get tax forms at the BPL?

 

Forms can be picked up at these locations:

 

• Central Library
  • Social Sciences Department (617.859.2261) on the second floor of the McKim Building (Dartmouth Street entrance) – Massachusetts state forms, many Federal forms; master copies of some forms available for photocopying (15 cents/page)
• All BPL branches will eventually have 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, and Massachusetts state forms; some branches will have additional Federal forms. Call first to make sure they still have the form you need.

 

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How else can I get tax forms?

Federal Forms

• Online – Download the form you need or order online to have forms mailed to you
• By Phone – Call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676
• In Person – At the JFK Federal Building, West side of City Hall Plaza
  617-316-2850
  Green Line: Government Center
  Orange Line: Haymarket

Massachusetts State Forms

The State of Massachusetts urges all taxpayers to file their state income tax returns online. Fewer paper forms will be printed and distributed this year.  Supplies of state tax forms at libraries are very limited if not totally depleted.

Advantages of online filing are:

• Calculations are done for you–no math errors
• No chance you’ll forget to attached required schedules
• You’ll receive confirmation that your return was received by DOR
• Faster refunds–even faster with direct deposit
• Environmentally friendly
• File now, pay later–up to April 16, 2013
• It’s secure

• Use DOR’s WebFile–FREE and available 24/7. You can also find a paid professional tax preparer, or buy DOR-approved tax prep software and file on your own.

Find these links and more information about e-file methods at http://www.mass.gov/dor/filingzone

You may also print forms from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue

By Phone – Call the MA Dept of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089

In person–MA Department of Revenue service counter
Hurley Building, 19 Staniford Street
Green Line: Government Center
Orange Line: Haymarket

Other States
Use the Federation of Tax Administrators website to find links to tax forms for any US state.

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Where can I get help with my taxes?

Federal tax help:

• Phone numbers for tax help at IRS.gov
• Information about the VITA and TCE tax preparation assistance programs. VITA is for those who make $50,000 or less; TCE is coordinated by the AARP for anyone age 60 or older.
• To find other free tax help near you,  use this link.

Massachusetts tax help:

• MA Department of Revenue: 617-887-MDOR(6367) or toll-free in Massachusetts at 800-392-6089
• The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Websites Project lists locations and contact information for free tax assistance services in the state.