Detroit Income Tax Guide 2011

Time is running out to get your taxes done this year. We've put together this guide with local information, preparation services, post office hours, links and phone number to get help. 

The deadline this year to file is Monday, April 18. It was moved from April 15 because of the observance of Emancipation Day, a Washington DC holiday.

If you need more time to file you can submit for an extension. Keep in mind that you must pay any taxes you expect to owe by April 18th or face penalties and interest on any money owed. An extension to file is NOT an extension to pay.

Looking For A Professional Tax Preparer?

The Local Pages Directory at CBSDetroit.com links you to hundreds of tax services across Michigan. Start with the link below, and use your zip code to narrow your search:

• CBS Detroit Local Pages Tax Preparer Directory

IRS Forms

Having trouble locating the exact form for your taxes?

• 2010-2011 Federal Tax Form List
• 2010 Michigan Individual Income Tax Forms and Instructions  

Get Help

IRS toll-free customer service line: 800-829-1040 

Know you're going to be late? Need to set up a payment plan?

• For those who cannot make the deadline, a form number 4868 will be needed for an extension, but needs to be postmarked by midnight, and a taxpayer still needs to include an estimated payment.
• For those needing to spread out any payments to the IRS, one will need a form 9465 to request an installment agreement. It will cost $105 dollars.

Contact the Local Taxpayer Advocate (LTA) in Michigan

The IRS offers a local service to help taxpayers with hardship issues, rights and other problems not handled by normal means. >> More Information

Detroit McNamara Federal Bldg.
477 Michigan Ave. Room 1745, Stop 7
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 628-3670

Post Office Hours On Tax Day (April 18th)

New in 2011 - Since most people choose to e-file, local Post Offices will no longer stay open late on Tax Day. 

Downtown Main Post Office
1401 West Fort St.
Detroit 48216
Open till 10 P.M. on Tax Day

Redford Branch
12245 Beech Daly Rd.
Redford 48239
Open to 9 P.M. on Tax Day

Royal Oak Main
200 W. 2nd St.
Royal Oak 48068
Open to 7 P.M. on Tax Day

BNET Business Tax Survival Guide

Part of the CBS Interactive family of websites, BNET offers lots of helpful information for business owners. You can see the full Tax Survival Guide here, or check the topics below:

• 10 Tax Mistakes That Will Cost You
• The R&D Tax Credit: Think You Can't Qualify? Think Again
• A Tax Attorney's Guide to Avoiding a Tax Disaster
• A Hidden Tax Break for the Self-Employed
  

Check For Your Refund

Once taxpayers file their federal return, they can track the status of their refunds by using the "Where's My Refund?" tool, located on the front page of irs.gov.

• Taxpayers can generally get information about their refunds 72 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of their e-filed returns, or three to four weeks after mailing a paper return.

Taxpayers need to provide the following information from their tax returns:

1. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
2. Filing status
3. The exact whole dollar amount of your anticipated refund

Tax Year 2010-2011 Federal Tax Law Changes

• American Opportunity Credit Helps Pay For First Four Years Of College
• Energy Improvement Qualify For Expanded Tax Credits
• Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit (PDF)
• Tax Credits Increased For Low And Moderate Income Workers
• Alternative Minimum Tax Increased
• Standard Mileage Rate Increased
• Taxable Investment Income Per Child Increases (PDF)