Jackson Hewitt - Four Corners Office Outlines Important Tips for Last-Minute Tax Return Filers

Silver Spring, MD, April 12, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Today kicks off the final week of tax season 2009; and with just seven days left, millions of consumers have yet to file an income tax return. For those people, the last few days before the official deadline could prove to be nerve-racking. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service - Four Corners office has outlined important tax tips to help ease the stress for last-minute filers.

"The last-minute rush can be stressful in any year, but with more than 500 new tax law changes for tax year 2008, waiting until the eleventh hour can be nerve-racking," said John J. Lah, Franchise Owner of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service - Four Corners office. "Not only is it more worrisome, rushing to complete a tax return can often lead to missed credits and deductions, meaning less money in the taxpayer’s pocket."

"We encourage consumers to get their paperwork organized now and to visit a knowledgeable tax preparer for help filing a return on time," Mr. Lah added.

The Four Corners office of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service outlines seven essential tips for last-minute filers:

Stop procrastinating. Having a return prepared before the deadline means you won’t be surprised by the amount of a tax liability on April 15. Even if you owe the IRS, the payment is not due until April 15, regardless of when you filed your return. And if you are owed a refund, the sooner you’ll receive it.

File electronically. More than 90 million individual tax returns were e-filed in 2008. IRS e-file is not only faster than mailing a return; it’s also more accurate and includes a confirmation of receipt. Also, with IRS e-file, you can receive your refund in your bank account within 8-15 days with direct deposit. Jackson Hewitt - Four Corners office provides free electronic filing with paid tax preparation.

Review your 2008 tax year for important life changes

You may qualify for tax credits or deductions for the first time this year if you experienced a life change during 2008. For example, a taxpayer who had a baby may be eligible for the recovery rebate credit, among other benefits. Other important life changes may include: newly married, new baby, new dependent, education costs, new job, job displacement or a move.

To help tax filers get ready to visit with a tax preparer, "we encourage last-minute filers to review our online checklist and make an appointment with a tax preparer, who can review all of the credits and deductions they may qualify for, as well as make sure that all necessary documents are completed and filed properly," said John J. Lah, MBA, CFA.

Until April 15, the Jackson Hewitt Four Corners office at 109 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD will maintain extended business hours. Offices are still accepting appointments and always welcome walk-in customers.

Please call (301) 681-7180 for additional information or to schedule an appointment. For more information, including a list of tax law changes and commonly overlooked credits and deductions, please visit www.jacksonhewitt.com/taxresourcecenter/.

Know the pros and cons of filing for an extension : It is important to note that filing for an extension only gives you an extension until October 15 to file your return. It does not extend the time to pay a tax liability, as that is still due on April 15 to avoid penalties and interest. A knowledgeable tax preparer can help you assess whether a tax liability is due and can help file for an extension if one is needed.What to Bring" checklist is available at http://www.jacksonhewitt.com. This checklist can help taxpayers get organized and ensure that they do not leave behind important documents that will help their preparer identify all of the credits and deductions they deserve.

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