4 Reasons Not To File Your Taxes Early, Even If You’ll Get A Refund
If the IRS owes you a refund, you want to file your taxes immediately, right? Not really. In fact, resist the temptation to file until you’re sure you are ready. You’ll save yourself grief and possibly significant money too.
1. Tax returns are like lumber. Measure twice, cut once. The best way not to have to amend is to file your return correctly the first time. Besides, you sign it under penalties of perjury. That means it should be accurate and complete. Filing hurriedly to get a refund telling yourself you’ll amend later is a mistake. Give yourself time to consider all the surprising items the IRS says you must report.
2. Allow for slow 1099s. It is February, so it’s too late to receive any more Forms1099, right? Wrong. The 1099 deadline this year was February 2, but many issues miss the date. Most 1099s arrive by the end of February, when they are supposed to be transmitted to the IRS. Forms K-1 for partnerships, LLCs and S corporations, are often later than their March 15 due date.
Amended K-1s from partnerships, S corporations, and LLCs have a particularly bad habit of showing up right after you file. Information returns like Forms 1099 and K-1 can dribble at any time. If you’re expecting them, you shouldn’t file your return until you receive the forms or can reasonably assume you won’t. Should you ask the issuer if you are missing a Form 1099? No, you shouldn’t.
3. Try to avoid amending. If you file your return and then receive a 1099 or K-1, what should you do? It depends. You are not obligated to file an amended return, even though the IRS will probably send you a bill based on the revised Form 1099 or K-1 once IRS computers match that form against your Form 1040. IRS computer matches are why IRS Forms 1099 are so dangerous. No amendment should be undertaking lightly. If you forgot a deduction and think you can get a small amount back by amending, think twice before amending.
4. Be true. Ask if the return you filed was accurate to your best knowledge when you filed it. If it was, you are probably safe in not filing an amendment even if you later discover a mistake or receive late 1099. Conversely, if you knew your return was inaccurate when you filed it, you should amend it to make it accurate without delay.
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