Tax deadline approaches

For 39,000 Tennesseans NASHVILLE - Although most taxpayers have long since filed their 2004 federal income tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service said today that approximately 39,000 Tennesseans still face the Oct. 17 filing deadline. The IRS reminded taxpayers who received an additional extension in August that they should file their returns by Oct. 17 to avoid the late filing penalty, which is generally 5 percent per month of any unpaid tax. However, there are many taxpayers in Presidentially-declared disaster areas as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita who have been granted additional time until Feb. 28, 2006, to file their tax returns. Taxpayers with questions about tax relief for hurricane victims can call the IRS disaster hot line at 866-562-5227. Usually the extension deadline is Oct. 15, however, this year that date falls on a Saturday so extension filers have until Oct. 17 to file their returns. Last year, the IRS received about 40,000 tax returns in October from Tennesseans. Taxpayers may file returns electronically until Oct. 17; some may be able to file for free through the Free File program at IRS.gov. Taxpayers may use tax software on their own computers or e-file through an authorized provider. These options offer taxpayers security and accuracy in filing their returns, as well as faster refunds. So far this year, more than 1.5 million Tennessee taxpayers have filed electronically.