Deadline for filing taxes extended

Deadline for filing taxes extended

The original Friday, April 15, deadline for the 2011 tax filing season has been extended to Monday, April 18. Any taxpayers who are requesting an extension will have until Oct. 17 to file their 2010 tax returns.

If you aren't able to file by Monday's deadline, you will need to file a Form 4868 to request extra time. You can file a Form 4868 electronically using the IRS' free file or free file fillable forms, Those with higher incomes can fill out and file electronic versions of tax forms electronically, just as they would on paper, using Free File Fillable Tax Forms. Free File can be accessed at www.irs.gov/freefile. Paid preparers also can electronically file your Form 4868, as can tax software that you run on your computer.
The holiday is normally celebrated on April 16, but since the holiday falls on a Saturday, by law, it is observed on Friday -- tax day. Since the tax code prohibits filing deadlines to fall on weekends or holidays, tax payers will have until Monday at 11:59 p.m. to complete their taxes.

Angie Bland, the office manager at Harper and Phillips Inc., said lots of people wait to file their taxes, calling this week traditionally the busiest of the tax-season. Illie Dawson III, of Kinston, also said he hadn't gotten around to filing his tax returns until Friday. For people planning to file their own taxes on Monday Bland cautions against waiting until the literal last minute. For tax payers hoping to get their tax filings post marked by 11:59 p.m. it may not be possible. Breakout box:
For more information about how to prepare for tax day, visit irs.gov