[Mintwood-place] Tax Office Extends Hours Until 4/18

[Heymann, Alan (COUNCIL)]

(from our friends at the Office of Tax and Revenue -- please note contact
number below for questions)

DISTRICT'S TAX OFFICE EXTENDS HOURS OF OPERATION
AS FILING DEADLINE APPROACHES
Taxpayers Receive Free Tax Preparation, List of Most Common Tax Filing
Errors
(Washington, D.C.) As the April 18 tax filing deadline approaches, the
Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) will extend its customer service hours
beginning April 3 in an effort to help taxpayers receive the information and
services they need to meet their tax obligations.
OTR's customer service walk-in center at 941 North Capitol Street, NE, will
offer extended service hours April 3 through April 14, Monday through
Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Service will also be available Saturday,
April 8 and Saturday, April 15 from 9:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. On Tuesday, April 18, the center will be open 8:15 a.m. to 8:00
p.m.
OTR will also offer extended telephone service hours April 3 through April
14, Monday through Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Tuesday,
April 18 from 8:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. The service center can be reached at (202)
727-4TAX (4829).
Customer service representatives in the walk-in service center will prepare
District individual income tax returns at no cost for anyone requesting the
service. Taxpayers must bring a copy of their completed federal tax return,
supporting W-2 forms and any other information required.
Helpful Tips, Common Tax Errors to Avoid
Taxpayers are reminded to avoid the most common errors made when preparing
income tax returns. Filers should:
*	Double-check their math. Mistakes will cause delays in processing
their refund. 
*	Round-off dollar amounts to the whole dollar. 
*	Double-check their Social Security number, which is critical to
accurate processing. 
*	Indicate their proper filing status on line 1 of the return. 
*	Remember that line 10 on the D-40 form is not a total of line 3
through 9. Line 10 on the D-40 form is the same figure as line 22 from the
filer's federal 1040. 
*	Remember to fill-in either the itemized deduction or the standard
deduction oval - not both. A taxpayer can choose one, and it must be the
same one chosen on their federal return. 
*	Add dependent's information, such as name, Social Security number
and relationship status, on Schedule S. 
*	Use Schedule J to calculate their tax if they are filing Married
Filing Separately on the same return. 
*	Attach W-2 (wage statement) forms, and ensure that they are only
claiming D.C. withholding. 
*	Attach a copy of required federal schedules (Schedule A, Schedule C,
Schedule D, etc.). 
*	Sign their tax return. Both primary and secondary signatures are
required if filing jointly. 
*	Request a written confirmation from their tax preparer that their
electronic return was accepted. 
*	If needed, request an extension to file their 2005 tax return by
April 18. All taxes must still be paid timely. The filing of an extension
only provides additional time to file the return. 
Taxpayers filing a Schedule H, the Homeowner and Renter Property Tax Credit
form, should remember the following:
*	Include "square" and "lot" numbers for real property owners. 
*	Include landlord name, address, telephone number, and the dollar
amount of the rent when claiming credits based on rent. 
*	Report all income earned by all people living in the household and
provide the names and Social Security numbers of all household members. 
*	Include a physician-signed certificate, as required, when claiming a
credit for disability. 
*	Remember that if you live in public or subsidized housing during the
year, you are not entitled to a rental property tax credit and should not
file a Schedule H. 
###





Alan Heymann
Director, Constituent Services
Councilmember Jim Graham
aheymann at dccouncil.us
www.grahamwone.com