What you need to know about the deadlines for paying taxes, assistance in filing documents

Many Californians have an extra month this year to file their federal and state tax returns. But the extra time is partly due to what can be a more difficult process.

A series of winter storms hitting the state cost people tax preparation time and possibly even money. To help victims recover, the IRS has extended the deadline for victims to May 15.

This year also saw the loss of some pandemic-era credit. TurboTax accountant Lisa Green-Lewis explains.

“There are provisions that were good for 2021 that were expanded under the American bailout plan, and those provisions either went back to the pre-American bailout plan or disappeared completely,” Green-Lewis said. “For example, the tax credit for children, which has been increased to $3,600. It goes back to $2,000.”

TurboTax and other agencies offer free tax advice. TurboTax has experts and some customer training for free if you apply before March 31st. H&R Block offers free online application for students through the IRS.

Taxpayers can also get help through the Voluntary Tax Assistance and Senior Tax Counseling programs at ftb.ca.gov/help.

NBC Bay Area/Telemundo 48 also has a phone bank to help viewers file their tax returns. It is open Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at 800-548-4884.