It’s that time of year again, Miami: tax season. And while Florida is known for being one of the few states that doesn’t have a personal income tax, its residents still have to pay federal taxes. Tax season opened up this year on Jan. 29 and tax returns for most Americans are due on April 15, which means you better act fast if you still haven’t filed. Whether you’re a first time filer or just need a little refresher, here’s a guide on Tax Day in Miami.
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. We encourage readers to consult a government website like IRS.gov while preparing their taxes.
When is Tax Day in Miami?
For 2024, Tax Day falls on Monday, April 15. This is the final date for filing your return.
What happens if I can’t complete my taxes by the deadline?
If you end up needing more time to file your taxes, you can submit a request for an extension directly to the IRS. And you must submit this request by the April tax filing due date. If approved, you have until October 15 to file.
You may automatically be eligible for an extension if you are:
- In a federally declared disaster area.
- In the military stationed abroad or serving in a combat zone.
- A citizen or resident alien living outside the U.S.
It’s important to note that this extension refers only to the filing of your taxes; you must still pay any owed taxes by the April 15 deadline.
How do I file my federal income taxes?
There are a number of options for filing your taxes:
- You may be eligible to do so directly on the IRS website with the new Direct File system (see more info below).
- You can find a tax preparer, which includes certified public accountants, enrolled agents and others.
- Choose from tax filing programs like TurboTax, H&R Block and more.
Can I file my taxes for free?
If you qualify, you can now file your taxes online, for free, directly with the IRS. The tax agency is piloting a new system, called Direct File, that has been made available for payers in 12 states (including Florida). Direct File is available in English and Spanish, and you can find out if you’re eligible to use it here.
And if you have an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less, you can file electronically with IRS Free File. If your income is higher, you can still file for free with the IRS, it will just have to be using Fillable Forms. Fillable Forms still allow for free federal tax filing, but don’t include tax guidance or state tax preparation.
As a Miami-Dade County resident, you can also get your taxes prepared with the help of Miami Tax Pros at no cost. As preparers through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, you may be eligible if one of the following is true: you speak limited or no English, are a person with a disability, are age 60 or older and your annual income is less than $57,000.
When will I get my tax refund?
The IRS issues most refunds within 21 calendar days of receiving a federal return, so it shouldn’t be too long. If you mailed your return instead of online, then you can expect your refund to take more than a month. You can track your refund on the “Where’s My Refund?” page on the IRS’s site here.