Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Did you get your taxes out on April 15th?

April 15th is the deadline for federal taxes, but you don't have to file your whole return. Just enter your name, social security number, and how much you owe and your good for another 6 months. The form I'm referring to is the IRS Form 4868 Tax Extension.

Don't feel bad if you have to use the IRS Form 4868 you are not alone. See TurboTax's 7th Annual Top 10 Tax Procrastinating Cities list. The list can be found on http://dontmesswithtaxes.typepad.com/dont_mess_with_taxes/2008/03/texas-top-tax-p.html.

1. Chicago, Ill. (#2) -- Chicago is the "Second City" no more as it takes the top spot for the first time in the seven years the list has been compiled.

2. New York, N.Y. (#5) -- After procrastinating less last year, the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple takes its toll on taxpayers as NYC climbs back up the list to rank at #2. The Giants may be number one in pro football, but New York is second on our list of late filers.

3. Houston, Texas (#1) -- Houstonians have topped our list more than any other city (three times) but must have tired of being the top procrastinators. Progress is progress and Houstonians drop two spots this year.

4. Austin, Texas (#4) -- Austin continues to procrastinate as they lock up the fourth spot for the second straight year. One of the fastest growing cities in America, Austin may be too busy to worry about taxes until the deadline forces them to.

5. San Francisco, Calif. (#5) -- The City by the Bay held steady in the fifth slot for the second straight year. In a year that saw the home run record fall to Barry Bonds, taxpayers in San Francisco waited until they had a full count to take a swing at doing their taxes.

6. San Diego, Calif (#6) -- The home of the 2008 U.S. Open, and home to TurboTax, can't seem to make up its mind. After topping the list two years ago, San Diegans dropped to sixth last year and are there yet again.

7. Seattle, Wash. (#8) -- Grunge may have gone the way of disco, but Seattle residents continue to play fast and late with their tax returns. The Emerald City jumps one spot this year.

8. Las Vegas, Nev. (#11) -- Making its return to the list after a two-year absence is the jewel of Southern Nevada, and former Mormon mission, Las Vegas.

9. San Antonio, Texas (#7) -- Settled first in 1731, San Antonio ranks as one of America's oldest cities. Despite its age, the home of the Alamo is steeped in today as its residents use the power of online tax prep to file at the last minute.

10. Los Angeles, Calif. (#12) -- Apparently Los Angelinos were busy chasing Brittney Spears all over town and waited until the deadline to file their taxes. At least they didn't let the forlorn Brittney file their taxes for them.

If you need tax help TurboTax.com is a great resource. It's what my accountant recommends (I still don't want to do my taxes though). Find out how you can fill out your taxes free online with TurboTax.com.

TurboTax provided us this list of 10 odd ball deductions:

Content - 10 Oddball Tax Deductions


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