It's Tax Deadline Day
By Lynne Adkins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It's April 15th and that means time is almost out to file your taxes.
Midnight tonight is the deadline for filing your federal tax form and state forms in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
IRS Pennsylvania spokeswoman Jennifer Jenkins says the refunds this year have been substantial, "The average refund has been hovering at just under $2,800. That is slightly above the average at this time last year."
She admits that most last-minute filers owe money, that's why they wait.
Your forms must be postmarked by midnight, but Jenkins warns not to wait until the last second.
"Keep in mind that fewer and fewer post offices are staying open late like they used to. Get your paper-filed return postmarked before the deadline that is midnight tonight. Otherwise, try e-filing."
If you just won't finish in time, Jenkins says you can ask for more time.
"The option then is to request an extension. That is done using form 4868. You can request an automatic six-month extension that'll get you until mid-October."
But, don't forget to send a check now for what you owe.
"If you do owe, you're estimating that you do owe some additional tax. It's important that you do try to pay that estimated amount when you file for the extension, because just like any other bill, the payment is due by the deadline."
