Computer returns set record for Missouri, Kansas

In addition to the electronic filing option, taxpayers have forms available to them online

Two weeks before the filing deadline, the Internal Revenue Service reported it had already received a record number of computer-filed tax returns nearly 950,000 from Kansas and Missouri taxpayers, surpassing the 936,000 total for all of last year.

The IRS also reports that people who need more time to complete their forms will find it easy to extend their filing deadline. Nationally, the IRS expects 8 million extension requests.

Filers can get an extra four months to file until Aug. 15 by sending Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to the IRS by the regular deadline.

Or, taxpayers may choose to charge an extension-related payment for their income taxes to a credit card instead of mailing Form 4868. This credit card option will be available only through April 17.

When requesting an extension, whether by credit card payment or Form 4868, the taxpayer musthis or her total tax liability based on the available information.

If the IRS later finds this estimate to be unreasonable, the extension will be null and void.

The taxpayer will still get any payments made with the extension request.

One deadline that taxpayers cannot extend is the date to claim a 1996 refund if they have not yet filed for that year. Unless they had a filing extension in 1997, they must get such late returns to an IRS office, and not mail them, by April 15.

Interest charges apply to any tax not paid by April 17. The current rate is 9 percent a year, compounded daily, and it is subject to change each calendar quarter.

Taxpayers who request an extension may also be liable for a late payment penalty of 0.5 percent per month if the total tax paid by April 17 is less than 90 percent of the actual 1999 tax.

Form 4868 is available from the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov. Those with a fax machine may use the IRS TaxFax by calling 703-368-9694 and requesting Item No. 13141 by return fax. Form 4868 is also available at local IRS offices and many public libraries.

Taxpayers needing this or any other tax form should act soon to be sure they have the item in time.

Taxpayers can also visit the Springfield IRS office at 3333 S. National Ave., Ste. 300, for last minute tax assistance and copies of tax forms and publications.

Hours at the Springfield IRS office are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with hours extended until 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The office will be open 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays through April 15, 12:30-5:30 April 16, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. April 17.