Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, has come and gone. It even felt like Autumn this morning here in Las Vegas (it was below 70). For those who filed an extension and have waited to prepare their tax returns, it’s time to get going.
But Russ, you say, the deadline isn’t for another 41 days. Very true. Still, it takes time for you to gather all the information and for your tax professional to prepare the return. It will take time for you to review the return. It’s better to start sooner than later. And if you wait too long, it will be too late.
But Russ, you say, I still haven’t received that last K-1. I understand; my mother’s still waiting for her last K-1. However, why can’t you get everything else ready? It’s easy to add that final K-1 into the return; it’s a lot harder to add in the myriad of other forms, income, deductions, and other information.
Most tax professionals have set deadlines for returns on extension. I can guarantee you that if you drop off your paperwork on October 14th, your tax professional will, at best, charge you an arm and a leg; at worst, your return won’t get done by the 17th. Make a tax professional happy: Get started now, and turn in your information soon.