August 17 is the deadline for filing 2011 tax returns. And this year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers much assistance for taxpayers unable to make payments or meet the deadline.

More time to file

People who haven't finished filling out their return can get an automatic six-month extension quickly through the "Free File" link on IRS.gov, if they apply by April 17. Anyone can use this free service to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension on Form 4868, giving them until October. 15 to file a return. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability and pay any amount due.

With this form, taxpayers can avoid late filing penalties, normally five percent per month based on the unpaid balance applicable to returns filed after the deadline. In addition, any payment made with an extension request will reduce or eliminate interest and late payment penalties that apply to payments made after April 17.

Besides "Free File," taxpayers can file extension requests through a paid tax preparer, using tax-preparation software or by filing a paper Form 4868, available on IRS.gov.

Looking for a new job? An array of South Florida employers will be seeking out new talent at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) on Tuesday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Such companies include: Community Blood Centers of Florida, ProLogistix, Verizon Wireless, AGLA Insurance, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Goodwill Industries, the Peace Corps, Target, Education Dynamics, Juice Plus, Aflac, Balance Staffing, New York Life, CarePlus Health Plans, Holy Cross Hospital and many others.

Job seekers are encouraged to bring their résumé and dress appropriately for an on-site interview. In addition to networking with prospective employers, workshops – from résumé critiquing, interview techniques to networking tips – will also be available for job hunters.

August 17 is the deadline for filing 2011 tax returns. And this year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers much assistance for taxpayers unable to make payments or meet the deadline.

More Time to File

People who haven't finished filling out their return can get an automatic six-month extension quickly through the "Free File" link on IRS.gov, if they apply by April 17. Anyone can use this free service to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension on Form 4868, giving them until Oct. 15 to file a return. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability and pay any amount due.

With this form, taxpayers can avoid late filing penalties, normally five percent per month based on the unpaid balance applicable to returns filed after the deadline. In addition, any payment made with an extension request will reduce or eliminate interest and late payment penalties that apply to payments made after April 17.

Besides "Free File," taxpayers can file extension requests through a paid tax preparer, using tax-preparation software or by filing a paper Form 4868, available on IRS.gov.

More Time to Pay

Taxpayers should file by the regular April 17 deadline, even if they can't pay the full amount due. But in many cases, those struggling with unpaid taxes qualify for one of several "Fresh Start" relief initiatives, including:

• Online Payment Agreement: Those who owe $50,000 or less in combined taxes, penalties and interest can use the Online Payment Agreement to set up monthly payments for up to six years. Taxpayers can also request a payment agreement by filing Form 9465-FS, which can be downloaded from IRS.gov and mailed along with a tax return, bill or notice.

• Extension for loss of income: Most individuals whose business income dropped substantially can apply for a six-month extension. Eligible taxpayers will not be charged a late payment penalty if they pay any tax, penalty and interest due by Oct. 15, 2012. Taxpayers qualify if they were unemployed for any 30-day period between Jan. 1, 2011 and April 17, 2012. Self-employed people qualify if their business income declined 25 percent or more in 2011. Apply using Form 1127-A.

• Offer-in-compromise: Struggling taxpayers may qualify for an "offer-in-compromise" – an agreement with the IRS to settle the taxpayer's liabilities for less than the full amount owed. The IRS would reject an offer however if they believe the liability can be paid, in full, as a lump sum or through a payment agreement.

Have a great business idea for the Caribbean? Apply for a Caribbean Idea Marketplace (CIM) matching grant.

The Caribbean Idea Marketplace (CIM) is a business competition platform that encourages collaborations between local Caribbean and Diaspora entrepreneurs to create enterprises that will boost employment and economic growth in the Caribbean. CIM will provide up to $100,000 in matching grants to each winning project. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2012.

To qualify, each group must have a Caribbean and a Diaspora partner, each able and committed to contributing 25 percent of the funding to the proposed venture. The Caribbean partner must be a citizen of a CARIFORUM country and must own or intend to establish a legally registered business in a CARIFORUM country. The Diaspora partner must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., Canada or the UK and have Caribbean heritage or strong ties with the Caribbean. Both partners must together create a "Project Concept Note," which "demonstrates how it will develop either a new product/service, or a new export market for an existing product/service." The proposal must also show how the business plans to "create sustainable jobs for Caribbean men and women."