Time’s ticking to file your tax return. Where to find help in Wichita, get an extension

Lindsay Smith
Updated ·2 min read

If you haven’t filed your taxes yet this year, you should think about doing so soon.

For some, filing taxes is easy, but for others, it can be a tedious process. With the deadline coming up next week, April 18, it’s time to make a plan now if you haven’t already.

Here’s what you should know about finding last-minute tax filing help in Wichita, and what to do if you can’t file by the deadline.

Tax preparation help in Wichita

If you’re filing your taxes yourself, there are several online services you can use, like Intuit TurboTax or H&R Block. While there are free-file versions through tax preparation software, be aware fees may apply.

If you want to get tax help and your income was $73,000 or less, the Internal Revenue Service has an online tool you can use to browse filing options, including free options. You can use the IRS search tool and input factors like income, dependents and more. From there, a list of options that match your criteria will pop up.

United Way of the Plains’ free tax preparation clinics were still accepting appointments as of Monday. The United Way says they’re filling up fast, and there are limited appointments at several locations. To make an appointment, call 211.

The United Way says they will continue helping taxpayers file taxes after deadline, but will not accept those appointments until the time comes.

For more information on how to file your state taxes, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue’s website.

How to get an extension

If April 18 arrives and you need more time, you can file for an extension.

There are multiple ways to do so, including through paid services like TurboTax or you can go straight to the IRS.

You can use the IRS Free File tool to file a form that gives you until mid-October to file your tax return. However, the IRS warns it does not grant you more time to pay your taxes. The IRS recommends paying the estimated amount by the time taxes are due to avoid any possible penalties.

Filing for a federal extension using Form 4868 will automatically result in an extension on your Kansas return, according to the state. For more free-file options through the IRS, visit the IRS’ extension page.

No matter how you file your extension, make sure to file it before April 18.