Tax deadline about a month away in W.Va., experts say don't wait until the last minute

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — The May 17 extended deadline to file taxes in West Virginia is just about a month away, but tax experts say it's always a good idea to file early if possible.

"If you're trying to rush around to get your tax returns completed, you're more likely to make mistakes,' tax account administration director Stacy Acree said. "So to avoid errors, we recommend that you file early."

Thousands of people were forced into unemployment during the pandemic, but with the American Recovery plan, some unemployment compensation is now tax-free.

"Unemployment compensation, the first $10,200 is now exempt from taxability," Acree said. "This is retroactive to Jan. 1, so we may have taxpayers that have already filed their tax returns. If they have, they will need to go back and amend their state tax return, and also include a copy of the 1099G that they received from WV Workforce. If you haven't filed your taxes yet, you may just want to check with your tax preparer and ask them how this will be accounted for on your taxes."

Tax services like H&R Block have several options to file safely, from completely online to in-person consultations.

"You can file your return online and connect with a tax pro via the online software," H&R Block tax institute manager Daniel Woodard said. "You can submit your return information and a tax pro can file your return virtually. You can drop your information off at the office and a tax pro will reach out and connect with you."

If you're still waiting for stimulus money, H&R Block's recovery rebate credit could help.

"It's a rebate credit to allow the taxpayers to claim additional stimulus money if they feel they haven't received it," Woodard said. "If they haven't filed their 2019 return, they may not have received their stimulus. It just allows that opportunity to claim that."

For anyone who thinks they won't be able to meet the May 17 deadline, there is an option to request an additional extension through the West Virginia state tax department. Even with an extension, you will still have to pay any interest accrued from May 18 on.