The deadline for filing the District of Columbia individual income tax returns is six days from today, on April 18. The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) urges taxpayers and tax preparers to file their returns electronically, which typically results in faster processing of returns and of refund claims.
Filing Deadline Extended
The filing deadline for the Tax Year 2015 income tax return is April 18. The District of Columbia observes Emancipation Day on Friday, April 15 when April 16 is a Saturday. This makes Monday, April 18 the deadline for filing income tax returns for Tax Year 2015. District residents will have three extra days this year to file their returns and make payment.
Electronic Filing
As the deadline nears, OTR reminds taxpayers and tax preparers of electronic filing options, such as:
- Free File: A unique free service which allows taxpayers to choose from a number of free tax prep software that works best for their tax situation.
- Fillable Form: This free online version of form D-40/D-40EZ and schedules allows taxpayers to fill in their tax information, sign electronically and e-file their return.
Eighty two percent of all returns filed this filing season have been e-filed.
Extension of Time to File
An extension of time to file a return may be requested on or before the April 18 due date. The extension is limited to six months.
The extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. Full payment of any tax liability, less credits, is due with the extension request. If the tax liability is not paid in full with the extension, the taxpayer will be subject to a failure-to-pay penalty and interest on any tax due.
To file an Extension of Time return, FR-127, visit www.taxpayerservicecenter.com under “Individual Income Tax Online Filing.”
Income Tax Preparation
OTR will prepare, for free, District individual income tax returns for anyone requesting this service. First, individuals must have prepared their federal tax return before coming to the Walk-In Center, located at 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite 270, Washington, DC 20024. Taxpayers are also requested to have all supporting documentation with them, including a copy of their federal tax return, supporting W-2 forms and schedules, and a valid driver’s license or state identification
Tax Refunds and Tax Fraud
This filing season, OTR introduced two new procedures to combat tax fraud and identity theft:
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LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Information will be submitted to LexisNexis Risk Solutions identity confirmation database to help confirm the identities of all District taxpayers due a refund in 2016. Some taxpayers will be selected to confirm their identities. Those selected will receive a letter from OTR with instructions of how to take the Identity Confirmation Quiz. It is important that those required to take the quiz contact our agent, InterGlobal at 1 (800) 343-2778. -
Fraud Management
As an additional level of protection, other taxpayers will be selected to confirm their identities. Those selected will receive a letter from OTR with a request for additional documentation Requests for refunds filed electronically and are not selected for review will be issued within 7 to 10 business days. Requests for refunds filed by paper and not selected for review will be issued within 10-15 days. Taxpayers in receipt of a letter requesting additional information or verification through the LexisNexis and Fraud Management programs, could have their refunds delayed. These returns have been identified as needing additional verification or are the second return filed this year by this taxpayer. It must be determined which filing is correct. OTR also reminds taxpayers that all new direct deposit requests (taxpayers requesting a direct deposit for the first time) and filers who have changed banks will receive a paper check. This will help to prevent fraudulent refunds from being sent to the criminal’s bank.
Contact OTR
In an effort to assist more taxpayers during the tax filing period, OTR has extended its hours through Friday, April 22, for its customer service Call and Walk-In Centers. The Call Center, (202) 727-4TAX (4829), and Walk-In Center, located at 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite W270, Washington, DC 20024, will be open from 7:30 am to 6 pm EST, Monday through Friday. (OTR’s offices will be closed on Friday, April 15 in observance of Emancipation Day.)
Tax Booklets
To download a copy of the tax booklet or forms, visit www.taxpayerservicecenter.com under Forms.