Last-Minute Tax Tips

It’s two days before April 15 and you still haven’t filed your tax return? There’s still time and help available. But be careful. People who wait until the deadline to file are the most error-prone of all taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service says. And some of these errors can subject you to penalty. Here is a brief guide on completing your tax return.

* Sign and date your return: In the last-minute rush to file, many people don’t. And, technically, if it’s not signed, it’s not filed. You could be subject to late-filing fees.

* Use the prepared address label: The label the IRS sent on your 1040 booklet is coded. Using it, rather than filling in your name, address and Social Security number by hand, tends to speed up the processing of your return.

* Check the postage: Without enough stamps on the envelope, your return may be kicked back, which could subject you to late-filing penalties of 5% of the tax owed for every month it’s late.

* File for an extension: If you can’t make the deadline, file a Form 4868, which gives you another four months to procrastinate. You are supposed to pay your estimated tax when you send in the extension request, but if you can’t, don’t. Interest on the amount you owe will accrue at a 7% annual rate, and there’s a half-percent-a-month penalty, says Rob Giannangeli, an IRS spokesman. But starting this year, there is no longer a “late-filing” penalty--that’s the onerous 5% per month charge--for failing to send in your check.

* Last-minute mailing: IRS employees will be at the following Los Angeles-area post offices from about 6:30 p.m. to midnight Friday to provide last-minute filers with tax forms and other aid. These locations will also be open late to accommodate you if you need that important April 15 postmark.

* 5800 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles * 900 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles * 7101 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles * 15701 Sherman Way, Van Nuys * 15421 Gale Ave., Industry * 41 Wheeler Ave., Arcadia