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66-727: The Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center began as the Jacksonville Maritime Museum in 1987 and was operated by the Jacksonville Maritime Museum Society, Inc. , a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Its goal was to provide a resource that illustrated the local impact of maritime trade and the many aspects of the maritime environment. The Jacksonville Landing allowed the museum to use unoccupied retail space to display their collection of large-scale model ships for seven years, beginning in 1990. Then Society President Lockhart explained, "Every time they would get

132-456: A federal court decision in 2018. The origins of 501(c)(4) organizations date back to the Revenue Act of 1913 , which created a new group of tax-exempt organizations dedicated to social welfare in a precursor to what is now Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(4). The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 introduced a new requirement on 501(c)(4) organizations. Within 60 days of

198-671: A 501(c) organization is subject to tax on its " unrelated business income ", whether or not the organization actually makes a profit, but not including selling donated merchandise or other business or trade carried on by volunteers, or certain bingo games. Disposal of donated goods valued over $ 2,500, or acceptance of goods worth over $ 5,000 may also trigger special filing and record-keeping requirements. Tax exemption does not excuse an organization from maintaining proper records and filing any required annual or special-purpose tax returns , e.g., 26 U.S.C.   § 6033 and 26 U.S.C.   § 6050L . Prior to 2008, an annual return

264-513: A 501(c)(5) organization, that expressly advocates for the election or defeat of a particular political candidate and spends more than $ 250 during a calendar year must disclose the name of each person who contributed more than $ 200 during the calendar year to the Federal Election Commission . The Federal Election Commission is required to enforce this provision based on a federal court decision in 2018. A 501(c)(6) organization

330-419: A 501(c)(6) organization to raise and distribute over $ 250 million during the 2012 election campaigns without disclosing its donors. The group's existence was not publicly known until nearly a year after the election. A business's membership dues paid to a 501(c)(6) organization are generally an ordinary and necessary business expense. The membership dues are tax-deductible in full unless a substantial part of

396-796: A Net Operating Loss to a prior tax period. Form 1045 is generally processed much faster than Form 1040X. Tax return laws generally prohibit disclosure of any information gathered on a state tax return. Likewise, the federal government may not (with certain exceptions) disclose tax return information without the filer's permission, and each federal agency is also limited in how it can share such information with other federal agencies. Occasionally there have been efforts in Congress to require tax returns to be open to public inspection. For example, Senators Robert M. La Follette and George W. Norris supported such legislation, applicable to both individual and corporate returns, and public disclosure for wealthy taxpayers

462-414: A club of individuals, and no individual may derive profit from the organization's net earnings. Examples include college alumni associations ; college fraternities or college sororities operating chapter houses for students; country clubs ; amateur sport clubs ; supper clubs that provide a meeting place, library, and dining room for members; hobby clubs ; and garden clubs . A substantial amount of

528-740: A mistake on a previously filed individual income tax return can file corrections with Form 1040X . In the United States, taxpayers may file an amended return with the Internal Revenue Service to correct errors reported on a previously paid tax return. Typically a taxpayer does not need to file an amended return if he or she has math errors as the IRS will make the necessary corrections. For individuals, amended returns are filed using Form 1040X , Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. In some cases taxpayers may use Form 1045 , for example, to carry back

594-413: A new tenant, they would move us to another empty space." That situation occurred five times in seven years. In mid-November 1997, the museum was given seven days to vacate in preparation for a new tenant. "This time, they just ran out of empty space," commented Lockhart. Many exhibits were put into storage or loaned. Beginning in 1993, their primary facility was located in a 1500 sq.ft² enclosed pavilion on

660-621: A nonprofit organization may be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) if its primary activities are charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering amateur sports competition, or preventing cruelty to children or animals . According to the IRS Publication 557, in the Organization Reference Chart section, the following is an exact list of 501(c) organization types (29 in total) and their corresponding descriptions. Under Section 511,

726-462: A pilot of Direct File , where people can calculate and submit their federal taxes and some state taxes in partnership with select state tax agencies for free. This initiative came as a result of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act , signed into law by President Joe Biden . TurboTax is the most popular tax preparation software in the United States, holding a 66.6% market share of self-prepared returns in 2018. H&R Block at Home (formerly TaxCut )

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792-680: A primary benefactor of this organization type, dating to the 19th century. According to the Internal Revenue Service, a 501(c)(5) organization has a duty of providing service to its members first. The organization's benefits may not inure to a specific member, but the rules for inurement vary among the three different types of organizations under this segment. A 501(c)(5) organization can make unlimited corporate, individual, or union contributions. A labor organization may pay benefits to its members because paying benefits improves all members' shared working conditions. An agricultural organization can provide financial assistance to its members in order to improve

858-417: A public charity's activities can go to lobbying, charities may register for a 501(h) election allowing them to lawfully conduct lobbying activities as long as their financial expenditure does not exceed a specified amount. 501(c)(3) organizations risk loss of tax exempt status if any of these rules are violated. A 501(c)(3) organization is allowed to conduct some or all of its charitable activities outside

924-446: A specific type of business is also not typically qualifying, as that would usually be more of a commercial enterprise. For example, the service of managing health insurance plans for its member businesses is often a commercial enterprise if it is not substantially related to improving the business conditions for specific lines of businesses. An association that promotes the common interests of certain hobbyists would not qualify because

990-512: A specified amount (adjusted annually for inflation) are required by law to file Federal income tax returns (and pay remaining income taxes if applicable). Gross income includes most kinds of income regardless of whether the income arises from legitimate businesses. Income from the sale of illegal drugs, for example, is taxable. Many criminals, such as Al Capone , are indicted not only for their non-tax crimes, but for failure to file Federal income tax returns (and pay income taxes). Many Americans find

1056-463: A substantial number of these activities, then only the amount of dues or contributions that can be attributed to other activities may be deductible as a business expense. The organization must provide a notice to its members containing a reasonable estimate of the amount related to lobbying and political campaign expenditures, or else it is subject to a proxy tax on its lobbying and political campaign expenditures. It must also state that contributions to

1122-461: A theatre with seating for 60. At the society's board of directors meeting in August 2015, they voted to dissolve the museum at the end of the calendar year. The museum received no financial support from the city government , and memberships and donations were not enough to cover the $ 45,000 budget of the volunteer-run non-profit. The museum housed hundreds of artifacts and included permanent exhibits on

1188-590: A whole, however, the organization will generally qualify if it also performs other services for its members. Much like 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(5) organizations, 501(c)(6) organizations may also perform some political activities. 501(c)(6) organizations are allowed to attempt to influence legislation that is related to the common business interests of its members. A 501(c)(6) organization may receive unlimited contributions from corporations, individuals, and labor unions. The names and addresses of contributors are not required to be made available for public inspection, with

1254-553: Is a business league, a chamber of commerce like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , a real estate board, a board of trade, a professional football league or an organization like the Edison Electric Institute and the Security Industry Association , that are not organized for profit and no part of the net earnings goes to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. A business league may qualify if it

1320-597: Is a social welfare organization, such as a civic organization or a neighborhood association . An organization is considered by the IRS to be operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare if it is primarily engaged in promoting the common good and general welfare of the people of the community. Net earnings must be exclusively used for charitable, educational, or recreational purposes. According to The Washington Post , 501(c)(4) organizations: ...are allowed to participate in politics, so long as politics do not become their primary focus. What that means in practice

1386-442: Is an association of persons having a common business interest, whose purpose is to promote the common business interest and whose activities improve business conditions rather than actually conduct the business itself. Members of the organization must be of the same trade, business, occupation, or profession in order to qualify. A local chamber of commerce or board of trade could qualify for similar reasons except that they may promote

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1452-402: Is not required to send the notification if the organization was formed on or before July 8, 2016, and it either applied for a determination letter using Form 1024 or filed a Form 990 between December 19, 2015, and July 8, 2016. As of January 2018, the application for recognition of exemption as a 501(c)(4) organization is a new form, Form 1024-A, rather than Form 1024. Between 2010 and 2017,

1518-612: Is organized and operated exclusively for those purposes. There are also supporting organizations—often referred to in shorthand form as "Friends of" organizations. 26 U.S.C.   § 170 , provides a deduction, for federal income tax purposes, for some donors who make charitable contributions to most types of 501(c)(3) organizations, among others. The IRS explains that to be tax-exempt, "an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes ... and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual." Private inurement means that

1584-562: Is related to its purpose. A 501(c)(4) organization may directly or indirectly support or oppose a candidate for public office as long as such activities are not a substantial amount of its activities. A 501(c)(4) organization that lobbies must register with the Clerk of the House if it lobbies members of the House or their staff. Likewise, a 501(c)(4) organization must register with the Secretary of

1650-402: Is related to the common union interests of its members. 501(c)(5) organizations can receive unlimited contributions from corporations, individuals, and labor unions. The names and addresses of contributors are not required to be made available for public inspection. All other information, including the amount of contributions, the description of noncash contributions, and any other information,

1716-418: Is required to be made available for public inspection unless it clearly identifies the contributor. A union membership dues paid to a 501(c)(5) organization are generally an ordinary and necessary business expense. The membership dues are tax-deductible in full unless a substantial part of the 501(c)(5) organization's activities consists of political activity, in which case a tax deduction is allowed only for

1782-524: Is that they must spend less than 50 percent of their money on politics. So long as they don't run afoul of that threshold, the groups can influence elections, which they typically do through advertising. 501(c)(4)s are similar to 501(c)(5)s and 501(c)(6)s in that the organizations may inform the public on controversial subjects and attempt to influence legislation relevant to its program. Unlike 501(c)(3) organizations, they may also participate in political campaigns and elections, as long as their primary activity

1848-591: Is the promotion of social welfare and related to the organization's purpose. The income tax exemption for 501(c)(4) organizations applies to most of their operations, but income spent on political activities—generally the advocacy of a particular candidate in an election—is taxable. An "action" organization generally qualifies as a 501(c)(4) organization. An "action" organization is one whose activities substantially include, or are exclusively, direct or grassroots lobbying related to advocacy for or against legislation or proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation that

1914-485: Is the second most popular with a 14% share. Other popular tax software includes: TaxACT at 7%, Tax Hawk (including FreeTaxUSA ) at 5.9%, Credit Karma 's free tax software (now owned by Intuit /TurboTax) at 1.7%, and TaxSlayer at 1.5%. In some countries, the tax agency provides a prefilled return to streamline the process, but the United States has failed to adopt these technologies as of 2013 after lobbying by tax preparation companies like Intuit . A similar reform

1980-439: The 1914 Clayton Antitrust Act or the 1914 Federal Trade Commission Act . IRC 501(c)(6) amendment was enacted in 1966 to ensure that a professional football league's exemption would not be jeopardized because it administered a players' pension fund. Additionally, a professional sports league's exemption is not to be jeopardized because its primary source of revenue is the sale of television broadcasting rights to its games because

2046-436: The 2012 election season. Every organization, including a 501(c)(4) organization, that expressly advocates for the election or defeat of a particular political candidate and spends more than $ 250 during a calendar year must disclose the name of each person who contributed more than $ 200 during the calendar year to the Federal Election Commission . The Federal Election Commission is required to enforce this provision based on

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2112-457: The 501(c)(6) organization's activities consists of political activity, in which case a tax deduction is allowed only for the portion of membership dues that are for other activities. Every organization, including a 501(c)(6) organization, that expressly advocates for the election or defeat of a particular political candidate and spends more than $ 250 during a calendar year must disclose the name of each person who contributed more than $ 200 during

2178-451: The 501(c)(7) organization's activities must be related to social and recreational activities for its members. No more than 35 percent of its gross receipts may derive from non-members, and no more than 15 percent of its gross receipts is permitted to come from use of its facilities or services by the general public. An organization that exceeds these limits may lose its 501(c)(7) status. Tax return (United States) Tax returns in

2244-477: The 990 form. 501(c)(3) tax-exemptions apply to entities that are organized and operated exclusively for religious , charitable , scientific , literary , or educational purposes; or for testing for public safety, to foster national or international amateur sports competition, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals . The 501(c)(3) exemption also applies for any unincorporated community chest , fund, cooperating association , or foundation that

2310-453: The Form 990-EZ or Form 990-PF) must be available for public inspection and photocopying at the offices of the exempt organization, through a written request and payment for photocopies by mail from the exempt organization, or through a direct Form 4506-A "Request for Public Inspection or Copy or Political Organization IRS Form" request to the IRS of for the past three tax years. Form 4506-A also allows

2376-698: The Frazier Museum after the museum declared it surplus to its needs. 501(c) organization#501(c)(3) A 501(c) organization is a nonprofit organization in the federal law of the United States according to Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)). Such organizations are exempt from some federal income taxes . Sections 503 through 505 set out the requirements for obtaining such exemptions. Many states refer to Section 501(c) for definitions of organizations exempt from state taxation as well. 501(c) organizations can receive unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations , and unions . For example,

2442-465: The IRS to make reasonably sure that taxpayers report income correctly. The filing of Federal tax returns is required under federal law. Individuals who receive more than the statutory minimum amount of gross income must file. The standard U.S. individual tax return is Form 1040. There are several variations of this form, such as the 1040EZ and the 1040A, as well as many supplemental forms. U.S. citizens and residents who realize gross income in excess of

2508-423: The Internal Revenue Service does not consider hobbies to be activities conducted as businesses. An organization whose primary activity is advertising the products or services of its members does not qualify because the organization is performing a service for its members rather than promoting common interests. If an organization's primary activity is advertising the products or services of its members' industry as

2574-552: The Senate if it lobbies members of the Senate or their staff. In addition, the 501(c)(4) organization must either inform its members the amount it spends on lobbying or pay a proxy tax to the Internal Revenue Service. Lobbying expenses and political expenses are not deductible as business expenses. The use of 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), and 501(c)(6) organizations has been affected by the 2007 case FEC v. Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc. , in which

2640-796: The South bank of the Jacksonville Riverwalk , near Friendship Fountain . It remained there for nearly 18 years until it returned to the Jacksonville Landing and reopened in January 2011 for a lower monthly rent. The new location was on the ground floor, east side, and accommodated the display of more items. Ship models that were loaned out for display at other places were returned to the Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center. The space included an interactive children's display and

2706-548: The Supreme Court struck down the part of the McCain-Feingold Act that prohibited 501(c)(4)s, 501(c)(5)s, and 501(c)(6)s from broadcasting electioneering communications. The Act defined an electioneering communication as a communication that mentions a candidate's name 60 days before a primary or 30 days before a general election. Contributions to 501(c)(4) organizations are not tax-deductible as charitable donations unless

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2772-606: The United States are reports filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or with the state or local tax collection agency ( California Franchise Tax Board , for example) containing information used to calculate income tax or other taxes. Tax returns are generally prepared using forms prescribed by the IRS or other applicable taxing authority. Under the Internal Revenue Code returns can be classified as either tax returns or information returns , although

2838-404: The United States. Donors' contributions to a 501(c)(3) organization are tax-deductible only if the contribution is for the use of the 501(c)(3) organization, and that the 501(c)(3) organization is not merely serving as an agent or conduit of a foreign charitable organization. Additional procedures are required of 501(c)(3) organizations that are private foundations . A 501(c)(4) organization

2904-613: The aircraft carrier USS  Saratoga and Napoleon B. Broward ’s Three Friends Tugboat . Popular exhibits included St. Johns Riverboats , Shipbuilding in Jacksonville and the RMS ; Titanic diorama . The largest model formerly on display in the museum was that of the World War II U. S. Navy heavy cruiser , USS  Louisville . The 18-foot (5.5 m) model was loaned to Jacksonville by its builder, Ray Arthur, then given to

2970-423: The amount of income that an employer, independent contractor, broker, or other payer pays to a taxpayer. A company, employer, or party which has paid income (or, in a few cases, proceeds that may ultimately be determined not to be income) to a taxpayer is required to file the applicable information return directly with the IRS. A copy of the information return is also sent directly to the payee. These procedures enable

3036-441: The amount of tax owed if the taxpayer is not required to calculate that amount. In contrast, an information return is a declaration by some person, such as a third party, providing economic information about one or more potential taxpayers. Information returns are reports used to transmit information about income, receipts or other matters that may affect tax liabilities. For example, Form W-2 and Form 1099 are used to report on

3102-536: The broadcasting of games increases public awareness of the sport. In 2013, Senator Tom Coburn introduced legislation to disallow a tax exemption for the National Football League , the Professional Golfers' Association of America , and other professional sports organizations. Coburn estimated the tax exemption cost $ 100 million, but he said he could not get other members of Congress to support

3168-600: The calendar year to the Federal Election Commission . The Federal Election Commission is required to enforce this provision based on a federal court decision in 2018. The predecessor of IRC 501(c)(6) was enacted as part of the Revenue Act of 1913 likely due to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce request for an exemption for nonprofit "civic" and "commercial" organizations, which resulted in IRC 501(c)(4) for nonprofit "civic" organizations and IRC 501(c)(6) for nonprofit "commercially-oriented" organizations. The Revenue Act of 1928 amended

3234-408: The common economic interests of all the commercial enterprises in a given trade or community. In order to qualify for a tax-exemption under section 501(c)(6), the organization must specify that it seeks to promote and improve business condition for a specific type of business. Improving business conditions for all types of businesses is not generally qualifying. Similarly, providing a service for

3300-725: The conditions of those engaged in agricultural pursuits generally. Members can benefit in incidental ways from the organization's exempt activities as long as the benefits are available to all persons. The first exemption for labor organizations from corporate income tax was enacted as part of the Payne–Aldrich Tariff Act of 1909 . The Revenue Act of 1913 excluded "labor, agricultural, or horticultural organizations" from income tax liability. Much like 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) organizations, 501(c)(5) organizations may also perform some political activities. 501(c)(5) organizations are allowed to attempt to influence legislation that

3366-421: The exception of a 501(c)(6) organization that makes independent expenditures . All other information, including the amount of contributions, the description of non-cash contributions, and any other information, is required to be made available for public inspection unless it clearly identifies the contributor. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a large political spender, and Freedom Partners used its status as

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3432-410: The exclusively religious activities of any religious order; and religious organizations; and most organizations whose annual gross receipts are less than $ 5,000. Failure to file such timely returns and to make other specific information available to the public also is prohibited. Between 2010 and 2017 the IRS revoked the nonprofit status of more than 760,000 nonprofit organizations for failing to file

3498-460: The legislation. A 501(c)(7) organization is a social or recreational club that is organized for pleasure, recreation, and other nonprofitable purposes. Members must share interests and have a common goal directed toward pleasure and recreation, and the organization must provide opportunities for personal contact among members. The organization's facilities and services must be open to its members and their guests only. The organization must be

3564-511: The number of 501(c)(4) organizations dropped from almost 140,000 to fewer than 82,000. In 2017 revocations of 501(c)(4) groups comprised 58% which usually is only 15% of the total nonprofits which have their tax status revoked by the IRS for their failure to file Form 990. A 501(c)(5) organization is a labor organization, an agricultural organization, or a horticultural organization. Labor unions, county fairs, and flower societies are examples of these types of groups. Labor union organizations were

3630-720: The organization are not deductible as charitable contributions during fundraising. A 501(c)(4) organization is not required to disclose their donors publicly, with the exception of organizations that make independent expenditures as of 2018. The former complete lack of disclosure led to extensive use of the 501(c)(4) provisions for organizations that are actively involved in lobbying , and has become controversial. Criticized as " dark money ", spending from these organizations on political advertisements has exceeded spending from Super PACs . Spending by organizations that do not disclose their donors increased from less than $ 5.2   million in 2006 to well over $ 300   million during

3696-400: The organization is either a volunteer fire department or a veterans organization. Dues or contributions to 501(c)(4) organizations may be deductible as a business expense under IRC 162, although amounts paid for intervention or participation in any political campaign, direct lobbying, grass roots lobbying, and contact with certain federal officials are not deductible. If a 501(c)(4) engages in

3762-409: The organization's assets must not unduly benefit a person. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) are prohibited from conducting political campaign activities to intervene in elections to public office. On the other hand, public charities (but not private foundations) may conduct a limited amount of lobbying to influence legislation. Although the law states that "No substantial part..." of

3828-414: The organization's formation, a 501(c)(4) organization is required to file Form 8976 with the Internal Revenue Service as notification that it is operating as a section 501(c)(4) organization. The Internal Revenue Service will acknowledge receipt of the notification, but the acknowledgment is not a determination that the organization qualifies for section 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status. A 501(c)(4) organization

3894-418: The portion of membership dues that are for other activities. Because associations involved in fishing and seafood harvesting were having difficulties qualifying for reduced postal rates, in 1976 Congress established Internal Revenue Code Section 501(5) to define "agriculture" as the art or science of cultivating land, harvesting crops or aquatic resources, or raising livestock. Every organization, including

3960-399: The process of filling out the tax forms more onerous than paying the taxes themselves. A recent survey by Credello uncovered that only 13% of Americans file their taxes completely on their own and 53% rely on an online software system. Many companies offer free and paid options for reducing the tedious labor involved in preparing one's tax return. For tax-filing season 2024, the IRS announced

4026-508: The public inspection or photocopying access to Form 1023 "Application for Recognition of Exemption" or Form 1024, Form 8871 "Political Organization Notice of Section 527 Status", and Form 8872 "Political Organization Report of Contribution and Expenditures". Internet access to many organizations' 990 and some other forms are available through GuideStar . Certain organizations are exempt from filing Form 990, such as churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches;

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4092-455: The statute to include real estate boards. In 1966, professional football leagues were added to the described organizations. The Revenue Act of 1913 related to professional football leagues had both antitrust and tax provisions: The antitrust provision was enacted to permit the merger of the National and American Football Leagues to go forward without fear of an antitrust challenge under either

4158-415: The term "tax return" is sometimes used to describe both kinds of returns in a broad sense. Tax returns, in the more narrow sense, are reports of tax liabilities and payments, often including financial information used to compute the tax. A very common federal tax form is IRS Form 1040 . A tax return provides information so that the taxation authority can check on the taxpayer's calculations, or can determine

4224-858: Was not generally required from an exempt organization accruing less than $ 25,000 in gross income yearly. Since 2008, most organizations whose annual gross receipts are less than $ 50,000 must file an annual information return known as Form 990-N . Form 990-N must be submitted electronically using an authorized IRS e-file provider. Form 990, Form 990-EZ, and Form 990-PF may be filed either by mail or electronically through an authorized e-file provider. Failure to file required returns such as Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax) may result in fines of up to $ 250,000 per year. Exempt or political organizations, excluding churches or similar religious entities, must make their returns, reports, notices, and exempt applications available for public inspection. The organization's Form 990 (or similar such public record as

4290-579: Was required from 1923 to 1926. Presidential candidates have sometimes voluntarily released their tax returns . The IRS occasionally has seen " Fifth Amendment " returns from people who accurately report their annual income and tax liability but refuse to reveal the source of the funds on the grounds that such a statement would tend to incriminate the individual. Examples of common Federal tax returns (and, where noted, information returns) include: Transfer taxes Statutory excise taxes Employment (payroll) taxes Income taxes Federal laws requiring

4356-458: Was unsuccessfully attempted in California, after a pilot known as ReadyReturn . The annual deadline to file one's Federal individual income tax return is April 15. The IRS lists scenarios for which Tax Day does not follow this standard deadline - Taxpayers can file an extension where the taxes owed must be paid by April 15 but the completed tax return filed by October 15. A taxpayer who finds

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