What kind of service is this, the IRS doesn't have a help desk?

[seaglass]

No I'm not late yet, I'm in MA and the deadline is midnight tonight.

However the reason I didn't file yet is because I knew one part of it was going to be complicated...I just didn't realize how complicated...YIKES.

Is anyone an expert on capital gains???

[flamingyouth]

1. They used to have volunteers here at the Federal Bldg.

My dad is a retired CPA and sometimes he would prepare returns for his elderly parents' friends. If he had questions about some obscure thing, I know he could go down there and ask in person.

Can you estimate and file for an extension?

[seaglass]

2. I don't think I can estimate because I'm only on line 13 of the

1040.

I have found in the past that they don't really care if you're late filing if they owe you which will most likely be the case - I'm just afraid to take the chance and get fined.

My issues is that I was awarded stock back in 1997 and sold some shares last year. I paid the taxes on my award back in '97, they deducted the estimated taxes from my award and gave me fewer shares (I have a letter from my company showing this info).

I think all I have to do is send them a copy of the letter and calculate the difference in what the estimated sale price was when they calculated taxes and what the actual was. I think it was only about $5/share.

BUT, of course it takes 5 forms just to get a simple calculation like this communicated which means I'll have to read through slews of publications.

Thanks for your suggestion..I'll probably tough it out for now.

[flamingyouth]

3. Ah, I see

Good luck to you. It's so complicated. Hope you can get it all figured out okay. :pals:

[seaglass]

4. Thanks this sucks. Now I know why my dad used to sit at the

dining room table in his boxers, chain smoking, surrounded by paperwork on tax day (and why us kids were told not to go anywhere near him.):-)