Wednesday TAX deadline fast approaching

From the procrastinators to the unorganized to the first-time filers, many students will be scrambling to get their taxes done next week.

They won’t be the only ones. If you’re planning to file your taxes next week, you can expect long lines at the tax office and wait times for phone help.

Eric Erikson, media relations representative for the IRS, said filers should leave enough time to check and double-check their work.

“There’s plenty of time,” Erikson said. “People might feel a little more under pressure and might be more likely to make mistakes.”

The Ohio Department of Taxation encourages taxpayers to file their state taxes through the department’s Web site to receive their refunds faster than if they were to file by mail.

“We’re getting about 100,000 pieces of mail a day at the department,” said Mike McKinney, public information officer for the Ohio Department of Taxation.

McKinney said most students can expect some kind of refund and should receive that refund in 10 days to two weeks of filing if they file electronically and opt for direct deposit. The wait time is a little longer than usual because “it’s getting down to crunch time,” McKinney said.

Tax assistance is available through the department’s help line, but last-minute filers can expect a wait time.

“Historically our phone lines get very, very busy the closer you get to the filing deadline,” McKinney said.

Therese Greenleaf, of the City of Kent Municipal Tax Division, warned that taxpayers should expect long lines at the tax office next week.

Kent municipal income tax is now filed through the Regional Income Tax Agency, which collects and distributes income tax for around 150 municipalities statewide. RITA can be accessed online at www.ritaohio.com.

Greenleaf said that tax help will still be available for residents who prefer to walk in and file at the City’s Budget and Finance Office at 325 S. Depeyster St.

Whether you choose to file online or in person, expect to wait.

“The closer you get to the fifteenth, the longer the line in the lobby, the longer the wait online,” Greenleaf said.

Don’t know whether you need to file Kent city tax?

Greenleaf offers this simple tip: “Pay where you work and file where you live.”

If you’re still unsure whether you need to file, stop by the City’s income tax office.

Maryellen Hinchman, office manager of H&R Block’s Kent location, said her best advice to people who have yet to file their taxes is to hurry up.

“If you’re a procrastinator and you’re planning to wait till the last minute, make the last minute the 14th,” Hinchman said.

Contact public affairs reporter Stacey Carmany at [email protected].