The federal government’s 16-day shutdown created wide-ranging problems for millions of Americans. But, regardless of what the politicians did—or didn’t do—one thing will not change: IRS due dates.
“If you have an audit, collection, Appeal or Taxpayer Advocate case, don’t assume that document request dates or summons for information will be extended,” Brian A. Cain, Esq., founder of Cain Advisory Group, said recently. “Your best bet is to send off letters with a date stamp or fax confirmation to avoid issues later.”
“If you owe for 2013, you’ll still need to pay in a timely manner,” Cain said. “However, if you’re in line for a tax refund, it will be delayed.”
One outgrowth of the shutdown is that all filing system issues will be delayed at least 30 days. So, the first e-files will be mid-Feb 2014 and the corporation e-file will be mid-March.
“There will be delays across the board,” Cain said. “No deadlines have been changed but the delay of forms will cause a problem. Thus, be pro-active in alerting the IRS.”
The Cain Advisory Group combines a small business attorney, tax preparation services in San Diego, bookkeeping services, accounting services, trust planning, and small business payroll services leading to small business solutions. By creating coordinated service packages, the firm manages back office functions so entrepreneurs and small business owners can focus more on building their businesses.
“One way we can help small business owners and the self-employed is to establish a retirement plan to lower your tax bill and pay yourself instead of the IRS,” Cain said.
“Our firm is happy to offer non-clients a free year-end tax analysis so we can recreate your return now before the end of the year to allow for planning. We prepare strategies through this high value consultation and establish ways to lower your 2013 tax bill,” he said. “A little planning—and free consultation—can help you save money.”