Those individuals whose tax year ends on December 31, 2010 should file 2011 tax return on or before April 15, 2011. If one’s tax year falls on a month other than December, then the deadline for filing tax return shall be within the 15th day of the fourth month after the end of the tax year. Whenever the deadline falls on a weekend or a holiday, the deadline for filing resumes until the first day of the work week.
Extension to file 2011 tax return is possible if one cannot file on or before the due date. However, it does not mean that there is also an extension of payment. There will be an interest to any tax that would be paid past the due date, and there will be surcharge for those who will not pay on time. For those who wish to extend to file 2011 tax return, file the Form 4868 or the Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, on or before the due date of your tax return. Refer to the instructions written in the form to know how to do the whole process. This form enables an individual to file 2011 tax return 6 months after the due date.
However, if the individual is a US citizen situated outside the country or Puerto Rico for either military, naval or other types of employment, they will be given an automatic 2-month extension- that is June 15 for those whose tax year ends on December 31. Should an individual use this automatic 2-month extension to file 2011 tax return, he/she should attach a statement that proves qualification for the said extension.
For joint returns, both the wife and the husband should be present to sign for the tax return. In an event when the spouse cannot sign due to a medical condition, or any other reason that might be a hindrance to file 2011 tax return, signing in behalf of the spouse is allowed, provided that it is followed by the word “by” then the word “husband” or “wife”. Power of attorney might be needed in some cases, where the husband or wife cannot sign for the return. In this case, Form 2848 or the Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative must be filled up.
It is possible to file 2011 tax return via online or going to the IRS. Filing via both methods is free. Refunds could usually be received in a minimum of 3 weeks after the day you have filed your return. However, if you wish a professional to file it for you, it may be possible for a minimum fee. For more information about e-filing, refer to the official site of the IRS.