NYC on top 10 list of online tax procrastinators

Newsday ^ | 04/15/09 | Patricia Kitchen

[freespirited]

For the eighth consecutive year, New Yorkers made the top 10 list of cities with the most online-tax-filing procrastinators. New York City came in third in last year's tally of TurboTax online filers, following San Francisco and Houston. That's a drop from the No. 2 position the year before.

What might have been at play in earlier years? "Technology makes it easier for you to procrastinate," said Julie Miller, TurboTax director of corporate communications. She pointed out that taxes can be done in a couple of hours online and there's not even a need to stand in line at the post office.

Clearly, those getting a refund may be motivated to file earlier, she said, this year especially. But on the flip side, those who owe or who, because of financial losses in the past year, are not sure if they owe, may not be "embracing doing their taxes."

The Top 10 is determined by the number of returns filed electronically through TurboTax Online in the days leading up to the Internal Revenue Service deadline.

[freespirited]

She pointed out that taxes can be done in a couple of hours online

I must know about three people who can do their taxes in a couple of hours. Well, maybe six.

[MNDude]

whatever happened to those tax refunds california and Kansas were procrastinating returning? Did they ever send that out?

[goldstategop]

Really? I've filed late too and my tax preparer will get another extension. Few of us like paying taxes - yet we do so because its duty. Although I happen to think our government does not appreciate how hard we work for it all through the rest of the year. And then there's a tax code so complicated that no one really knows what they owe. For added good measure, the most prominent tax cheats in this country are liberals. Plus my joke of a stimulus check last year that I just cashed yesterday amounted to a measly $2.00. Now ask me again my why I procrastinate like a lot of Americans do. It appears I am in good company, indeed.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Glenn]

For years, I have used H&R Block and always purchase the $30 peace of mind guarantee.

Having been hit with the AMT the last 2 years, I can’t imagine doing my own taxes and remaining sane at the same time.

[Alberta's Child]

I hear ya.

I used to use another accountant, and HE was actually the one who suggested I use H&R Block. He said they were perfect for someone whose tax work is too complex for an individual but not quite substantial enough for a full-service accounting firm.

It also helps if you can use the same tax preparer at H&R Block year after year. I've had them do mine for 18 years, and I've only had 3 different people do them during that time.

[Glenn]

It also helps if you can use the same tax preparer

I've used the same preparer since I moved north 9 years ago. She said this might be her last year, though, because the online preparers are winning and her volume is off a bunch.

[napscoordinator]

I would suspect that a good majority in NYC, San Francisco and other major cities have people who actually have to write out a check and probably ask for the extension. I have to write a check for 1,090 dollars and you can bet I am waiting until the very last minute which is 15 July!

[goldstategop]

Most people have their taxes prepared. Its not like you can figure out a 1040 form. Most people just leave it to someone else and then sign on the dotted line. And cut a check out to Uncle Sam if they are informed they owe.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[freespirited]

Having been hit with the AMT the last 2 years, I can’t imagine doing my own taxes and remaining sane at the same time.

I have been using Turbotax for as long as I can remember.

This is how I know Timothy Geithner is lying. You cant "accidentally" make the "mistakes" he made. However, you can deliberately override the program and ignore all the prompts and warnings if you are hellbent on cheating.

[goldstategop]

You can get a six month extension to file but most people send a late return in just before summer.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[napscoordinator]

6 months! Thank you...I am going to look into that. lol.

[goldstategop]

Its funny those who love government the most turn out to be grouches in paying for it! On the other hand, I regard government as a necessary evil.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Glenn]

I have to write a check for 1,090 dollars

The extension does not mean you get an extension to pay the taxes. You will face possible penalties and interest from the IRS if you wait to pay.

You would be better off to file today and then call the IRS and ask for terms or forgiveness of penalties.

[goldstategop]

The government is forgiving as long as you file that return. If you don't - its gonna get really nasty and that's a face reminiscent of Cujo. It makes bill collectors look downright gentlemanly.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[freespirited]

Good point. Of course as we all know, liberal do excel at one thing: hypocrisy.

[napscoordinator]

Thank you so much for your post. I best get on TurboTax immediately. I thought you could get an extension no questions asked...silly me. I should have known the government is not friendly...

[Glenn]

I should have known the government is not friendly...

The game with the government is always rigged.