Macon Magazine

34 maconmagazine.com | April/May 2026 If you're not ready to file your tax return by the April 15 deadline, don't panic. The IRS allows taxpayers to request an extension, which gives you extra time to finish your paperwork without facing a late-filing penalty. Filing an extension is simple. Most taxpayers can submit Form 4868 online at the IRS website or with a tax professional. It can also be mailed to the IRS on paper. An extension gives you until October 15, 2026, to file. It's important to understand that an extension gives you more time to file—not more time to pay. If you expect to owe taxes, estimate the amount and send a payment by April 15. Paying as much as you can by the deadline can help reduce interest and possible penalties. There's another way to get an automatic extension. Make an electronic payment through the IRS website and select "Application for Extension" as the reason. Keep confirmation for your records. Stuckey says some people have a misconception that filing an extension makes their returns more likely to be audited by the IRS. "That's simply not the case," she explains, adding that if "you are going to be rushed trying to get a return filing by April 15th, it is always better to file an extension." The reason? "Rushed tax returns may lead to missed deductions and unnecessary mistakes." F o r g o t s o m e t h i n g ? If you've already filed your tax return and realize you missed a deduction or tax credit, you can correct it by filing an amended return. This is done using Form 1040-X. You may need to amend a return if you forgot to include income, overlooked a valuable tax break, or made another mistake. So, if you think you may be eligible for a refund, review your return. "Many taxpayers assume it will not make a difference, but small adjustments can create meaningful results," explains Nicole Talton. With all the new provisions recently enacted, Joli Stuckey says, you may miss valuable tax breaks. "Tax returns that were previously relatively simple have now become more complex," she adds. In most cases, you have up to three years from the original filing deadline to amend your return and claim a refund. Filing for an extension and amending a tax return can help avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure you receive every tax benefit you're entitled to claim. N O T R E A D Y F O R T H E T A X F I N I S H L I N E ? O V E R L O O K E D A T A X B R E A K ? T H E I R S H A S S O L U T I O N S Ta x s e a s o n i s n ' t t h e o n l y t i m e t o t h i n k a b o u t t a x e s If you're like many people, you only focus on taxes before the April deadline. But Talton urges clients to take time throughout the year to complete tax tasks. Here are some of her tips: Review withholding annually if you're employed. Make estimated payments if you have freelance, investing or non-employee income. Keep organized records. Don't mix business and personal spending. Stuckey has another tip: If something different is going on in your life, reach out to your tax professional to find out the tax implications. Some examples might be getting married, launching a new business or buying a home. "It's so much easier when clients give me a heads up that they're considering something new, because I'm then able to advise them on the front end and ensure maximum tax savings," she explains. D o n ' t f o r g e t s t a t e t a x b r e a k s In addition to these federal tax breaks, there may be Georgia deductions and credits that put more money in your pocket. For example, Georgia taxpayers can receive an income tax deduction for contributions to a Path2College 529 Plan account. The deduction for single filers is up to $4,000 per year, per beneficiary ($8,000 per year, per beneficiary, for joint filers). T h e b o t t o m l i n e These are only some of the benefits available in the tax law. No matter what tax breaks you claim on your return, be sure to read the fine print. There are usually eligibility requirements. But if you qualify, you may potentially reduce your tax bill or collect a nice refund. In fact, Talton and Stuckey report that many of their clients are receiving larger refunds in 2026 than they got in previous years.

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