April 15 tax-filing and IRA deadline extended for some

Most of us have until April 15 at midnight to file our taxes and establish tax-deductible IRAs for tax-year 2007. But the IRS has extended the deadline for victims of several recent natural disasters. Folks in parts of Illinois have until May 6, those in parts of Georgia and Missouri have until May 19, and residents of parts of Arkansas have until May 27.

In addition, the IRS says, because members of the military and support personnel generally have a deadline extension until 180 days after they leave the combat zone, they also have an extension of their IRA contribution deadline. Beyond that, under the special HERO Act provision, the time window is still open for members of the military who received tax-free combat pay in 2004 or 2005 and wish to make IRA contributions for those years. The deadline for making these special back-year contributions is May 28, 2009.

Regardless of when you set up your IRA, consider in advance which works best for you: A tax-deductible, traditional IRA, or post-tax Roth IRA. Click here for our findings from Consumer Reports Money Adviser.

Comments

[Ben Jordan]

I am trying to get information on tankless water heaters since I am thinking about replacing my regular heater with a tankless.

I was unable to find any information on your website and need help choosing the right product.

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

You can check this URL on consumerreports.org:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/water-heaters/waterheater-tips-205-gas-hot-water-heater-electric-hot-water-heater/overview/index.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=1&searchTerm=tankless%20water%20heaters

[twinkz88]

Many consumers, such as myself, are implimenting 'Green' products. And in doing so, I searched the un-biased source of product review known as "Consumer Reports". In todays economic state, everyone is pinching their pennys and looking for ways to save money on energy saving equipment/appliances. Unable to research any viable information regarding "tankless water heaters", I was very dissappointed in my findings...no reviews on brands, manufacturers, nothing.

[strategic1]

Why no listings of tankless water heaters?

[strategic1]

When will you review tankless water heaters?

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Twinkz88 and Strategic1:

We are currently testing them for a report due to be published in our October 2008 issue (which means it will go online in mid-September). At the following URL on our Web site, you'll find some blog comments from tankless owners, and an invitation to participate in a survey:

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2008/05/water-heaters.html?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=1&searchTerm=water%20heater

In the future, people interested in this topic might want to check with the Home & Garden section of our Web site. Note that the blog that you've chosen to comment on relates to income taxes.

[Tran]

I am looking for information for water heaters. Is there a particular brand recommended. Should I be looking for something particular as far as specs? should I watch out for anything? what is the the going price for installation. There are four members in my family- how does this effect which water heater I should purchase and where should i purchase the water heater. thank you for all of your help in advance!

[Tran]

I am interested in replacing the tub in my home and need recommendations and what to purchase, where to purchase it, what to look for, the difference in materials and going rate for installation costs. Please advise.

Thank you.

[Tobie Stanger]

Tran:

Check out our Home and Garden page devoted to home improvement:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/home-improvement/index.htm

Tobie Stanger
Consumer Reports