As April 15th Deadline Approaches Tax Department Urges New Yorkers To File Timely Tax Returns

ALBANY, NY (04/08/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Jamie Woodward today reminded New Yorkers that as the April 15th personal income tax filing deadline nears, all tax returns are due whether or not a taxpayer is entitled to a refund or owes taxes.

Those taxpayers who need it can obtain an automatic six-month extension for filing their New York State income tax returns. However, taxpayers are reminded that simply filing for an extension does not extend the amount of time a filer has to pay his or her taxes. In order for an extension to be valid, a taxpayer must properly estimate and pay their estimated tax liability.

To get an extension, taxpayers must file Form IT-370, Application for Automatic Six-Month Extension of Time to File for Individuals, on or before April 15th. This form can be filed online at www.nystax.gov. Taxpayers can also pay the estimated tax due by electronic funds withdrawal from a bank account, credit card, or by printing out a payment voucher and mailing the payment.

The Department's web site provides a wealth of information for taxpayers including how income-eligible filers can get help in preparing their state tax returns, and in some cases, file their returns at no cost.

The Department plays a central role in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs which field teams of trained and dedicated volunteers throughout New York's communities to assist taxpayers in meeting their obligations by filing timely and accurate returns. To find the closest VITA or TCE location, call 1-800-906-9887.

Acting Commissioner Woodward said, "Each year, millions of New York taxpayers file their income tax returns and voluntarily pay their income taxes. These responsible citizens provide the revenues the state needs to fund critical state services such as health care, schools and transportation systems. While millions of taxpayers voluntarily comply, there are those who fail to file the required returns. This forces others to shoulder an unfair share of the tax burden. Those who purposely avoid paying income taxes are reminded that by violating the law they face monetary and criminal penalties."

For more information about filing a tax return, visit the Tax Department's web site at www.nystax.gov or by calling the Department of Taxation and Finance at 1-800-225-5829.

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