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H&R Block Expert Visits KCAL9 With Last-Minute Tax Tips

LOS ANGELES (CBS) – H&R Block District Manager Eileen Brown visited KCAL9 to talk about last-minute tax tips.

Some tips include:

-- Be aware of commonly overlooked credits and deductions – There have been close to 4,500 changes to the tax code in the past decade. Given the constant changes, it's no surprise some taxpayers miss out on available tax benefits. Tax credits and deductions most commonly overlooked include: education credits, earned income tax credit and energy efficiency credits.

-- Understand recent tax law changes – With extended education credits and new cost basis reporting requirements there are new tax nuances taxpayers should be aware of. Additionally, many more people will be able to claim casualty loss given the increase in natural disasters over the past year – taxpayers should seek help to ensure they get the maximum benefits deserved.

-- Avoid silly mistakes – In a haste to meet the tax deadline, people often make costly errors such as mixing up names and social security numbers, selecting the wrong filing status, claiming ineligible dependents, etc.

-- Seek help from qualified professionals – Whether you visit a tax preparer in-person or use a digital tax preparation product, make sure the service you choose is backed by tax professionals. For example, H&R Block offers options for taxpayers to file, online, in-person or via smartphone and guarantees the maximum refund. H&R Block now offers FREE tax filing apps for iPhone, Android phones, and iPad that are easy to download, install and use on-the-go. All H&R Block mobile filing apps include free audit support and representation, 100-percent accuracy guarantee, and maximum refund guarantee.

  • H&R Block At Home 1040EZ app: Federal 1040EZ and State tax prep that's FREE to prepare, print and e-file from an iPhone or Android smartphone. Users can photograph their W-2 to save time and automatically import data into the app.
  • H&R Block At Home Free Edition app: Federal tax prep (1040 or 1040A forms) that's FREE to prepare, print, and e-file from an iPad. Taxpayers can access and edit their return from either their iPad or computer's browser by upgrading to H&R Block At Home Deluxe Edition 2011.

-- Filing an extension is not an extension to pay – If you file an extension, you have until Oct. 15 to submit a completed tax return. But to avoid failure-to-pay penalties, taxpayers should estimate their bill and send at least 90 percent of what they owe by the April 17 filing deadline.

For more information visit www.hrblock.com.

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