It’s tax day. . . and Uncle Sam wants yours

LYNN – “If you get too cold, I’ll tax the heat.”Whether they agree with the Beatles’ musical protest of sorts or they just simply didn’t have the time, hoards of local residents are converging on Lynn’s many tax agencies this week, hustling to pay “the man” before today’s deadline.A national holiday of sorts for procrastinators, April 15 hangs over some taxpayers’ heads like a date with the electric chair, but waiting until the last minute to file taxes does not have to be a stressful experience if residents follow a few simple tips for mid-April filings.While the desks of tax professionals and certified accountants are stacked with files of clients this week, taxpayers can avoid the hassle and high cost of having someone else file by using the IRS e-file system, which assures a timely file and prompt return.The IRS notes this method as a preferred way to file last minute on its Web site, as the information is submitted to the agency almost immediately.Many commercial online tax services, such as Tax Act or Turbo Tax, let users file federal taxes for free and charge only a nominal fee for filing state returns. The sites essentially use the same computer system that professionals use when filling out forms.Also, by filing online and choosing the direct deposit option, users can receive refunds in as little as 10 days.To avoid delays in returns and problems that could delay filing, the IRS suggests double and triple-checking all identification numbers, such as social security and employer identification codes, as common mistakes like typographical errors and simple oversights often cause trouble after taxpayers have filed.Since many last-minute filers are in a hurry and often under a lot of stress, the IRS also encourages everyone to check all figures and even suggests having someone else check the math, as mistakes in these areas can also delay returns, cause audits or on occasion force someone to refile after the deadline has passed.Other common mistakes include not signing the tax form, or not making checks out to the correct agency. All checks sent to the IRS should be made out to the United States Treasury and should include a social security number, daytime phone number and the type of form filed.Those who need to file an extension for any reason do have options, as they can fill out an extension form available from tax professionals or on the IRS.gov Web site.It is important to note that extension forms must be filed by the April 15 deadline and are not an extension of time to pay.Any resident who cannot pay taxes on time can contact the IRS to discuss alternate payment options.For more information, or to download forms, visit IRS.gov.