Tax Day Deadline Details โ€” And Freebies

Tax Day is upon us, and whether you've already spent your fat return or are preparing to pony up, there are still a few things most taxpayers should know before Tuesday's deadline.

There are remedies for those who can't afford to pay by April 15 and those in need of making an amendment.

And for those who just need a break to enjoy some free stuff, scroll down to see where you can take advantage of Tax Day deals:

Freebies

The most practical of all tax season freebies is the IRS' Free File program, which allows those who have an adjusted gross income of $58,000 or less to file for free through the agency's website.

Once you're done with the arduous task of doing your taxes, you can reward yourself with some of these wackier Tax Day freebies:

  • Hard Rock Cafe: On Tax Day, diners can sing on stage to get a free entree.
  • Office Depot: Retail stores will shred up to 5 pounds of paper until April 29 if you present this coupon.
  • Arby's: Get a coupon here for some free curly fries on April 15.
  • Bruegger's Bagels: Get a dozen bagels from April 12 to 15 with two tubs of cream cheese for $10.40, a nod at the IRS' 1040EZ form.
  • Sonic Drive-In: Enjoy half-priced drinks and slushes all day on April 15.
  • Boston Market: Get two half-chicken individual meals for $10.40.
  • HydroMassage: Free massage are available through April 18 at participating locations.
  • California Tortilla: Say "taxes schmaxes" to the cashier for a free chips and queso with any purchase.
  • Pizza Hut: Use the code TAXDAY to get a large pizza and your choice of breadsticks, cinnamon sticks or Dunkers for $10.99.
  • Cheesecake Factory: Tweet about your Tax Day woes with the hashtag #CakeMe on April 15 for a chance to win a free gift card.

Deadline extension

A six-month extension until Oct. 15 is available for those who are running late. File Form 4868 to qualify, but there is a catch: The IRS will charge interest on any amount not paid by the April 15 deadline.

If you've already dropped your tax returns in the mailbox and you have changes to make, you must file the 1040X Form with the corrected information and explain why you are changing what you're reporting, according to TurboTax.

Payment plans

For individuals who owe $50,000 or less, Form 9465 allows them to make monthly payments if they're not able to pay their tax debt immediately.

Lowest audit rate in years

The Internal Revenue Service is reportedly auditing fewer individuals this year due to budget cuts and a shortage of resources at the agency.

The IRS' new head Josh Koskinen said the "worst of the bad guys" will be closely scrutinized.

"But there are going to be some people that we should catch, either in terms of collecting the revenue from them, that we're not going to catch," Koskinen told The Associated Press.

The IRS audited less than 1 percent of all individuals' returns last year and "the numbers will go down" this year, Koskinen said.

For those who might try to fleece Uncle Sam in light of this Tax Day discovery, watch out. Not only is it illegal not to pay, but employers, brokers and lenders report all wages, interest and investment income to the IRS.

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