Taxes: FAQ’s

It’s that not-so-wonderful time of the year: Tax Season.  Even if you are expecting a refund, getting the paperwork done and sent in can be difficult.

Need some help? There are tax preparation assistance programs available.

  • Tax-Aide is a partnership program supported by both the AARP Foundation and the IRS. It offers free federal tax preparation for low- to moderate- income taxpayers of all ages, with special attention to those 60 and over and those who are disabled.  Tax preparation is provided by IRS certified volunteers and electronic filing is available, free of charge. Sites are available across the state, call 211 for location information. In the Black Hills area, call 211 to schedule an appointment.
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is supported by the IRS and helps taxpayers in many communities in South Dakota. VITA is open to low-income taxpayers (less than $54,000 annually), and a variety of special needs individuals and families at no cost.  To find the nearest location, call 211. Each location sets up its own appointments.

Filing on Your Own? The IRS has a list of Electronic Filing Options for Individuals. Visit https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options.

Get Ready…

Whether you choose to use one of the assistance programs, or complete your return at home, gather the following documents before you get started.  You will need:

  • Social Security numbers and birth dates for everyone associated with your return (if you are getting help with your form, you will need to bring the Social Security cards for each person as well as your photo ID)
  • Last year’s tax return (Don’t have it? You can call (800) 908-9946 for a transcript or go online to the IRS)
  • All federal income tax related documents like W-2’s, 1099’s, Health Insurance Statements, any forms marked as “Tax Information”.
  • Any documents or receipts for credits (ie: dependent care expenses, education expenses)
  • Any information on deductions if you will itemize your return.

Get Set…

Determine which form is the best one to use, given your specific situation (or the volunteer at the assistance program will do this for you).  It may be the same as last year’s, but if you’ve had any changes over the past twelve months, a different form might be best.  Some other things to remember:

  • Make sure all Social Security numbers entered on the form are correct
  • Review the income, deductions, credits and other information for accuracy. A misplaced decimal point can make a world of difference!
  • Sign and date the form, or add an electronic signature

Go…

Before mailing or filing electronically, print and/or save a copy of this year’s form – you’ll need it next year!  And be sure to keep copies of your returns for 3 years after the original filing (or 2 years from paying if you were late).

  • Deadline: the deadline for filing your return is usually on or around April 15. However, this deadline may be extended to accommodate holidays or extreme weather conditions. You can request an extension from the IRS, but if you owe money on your taxes you will end up paying interest.  If you are getting a refund, you can file late but you just won’t get your tax return money until you do.  The IRS will hold it for up to 4 years; after that, they will keep the money.

If you can’t pay what you owe, it is still better to file your return by the deadline.  Penalties are much more expensive if you don’t file.  If you can’t pay, contact IRS for payment plan options.  You will still have fees attached, but they will cost you less than not filing.

For more information, call 211 or search our online database:

  • helplinecenter.org/2-1-1
    • Enter your zip code
    • In the Search for a Specific Program box, try the following keyword search terms:
  • Federal Income Tax Information
  • Tax Preparation Assistance
  • Tax Appeals Filing Assistance
  • Taxpayer Advocate Services

Sources

Disclaimer: This HelpSheet is developed by the Helpline Center. HelpSheets provide a brief overview of the designated topic. For more information, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211

Updated: February 2023