(NewsNation) — Monday marks Tax Day, which for most people is the last day to submit tax returns to the federal government. The Internal Revenue Service says it has received more than 100 million tax returns so far, with tens of millions more expected to be filed.
While most filers have until the end of Monday, there are ways to sort out the situation if you miss the deadline.
Need more time to file taxes?
April 15 has been the traditional tax filing deadline since around 1954. Filers needing more time are encouraged to apply for an extension by 11:59 p.m. Monday. Taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts have until Wednesday.
“Filing taxes can be tedious. It can be sometimes confusing and frustrating,” Russell Fazio, a psychology professor at Ohio State University, told NewsNation. “On the other hand, you do have to meet that deadline, and there’s obviously some delight at having accomplished the task.”
The IRS expects 19 million taxpayers to file for an automatic extension, but the agency notes an extension of time to file a return does not grant a filer any extension of time to pay their taxes.
Ways to file a tax extension
E-File it: Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. Doing so gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file a return. Most tax specialists say that at the last minute, this is a taxpayer’s best bet. To get the extension, the IRS says filers must estimate their tax liability on the form and pay any amount due.
Make a payment: Taxpayers can also get an extension by electronically paying all or part of their estimated income tax due and indicating that it’s for an extension. The IRS says filers can do this by making a same-day payment through their IRS online account, using Direct Pay, using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or with a credit or debit card. The agency says if an extension is selected when making a payment, filers won’t have to file a separate extension form.
Use an extension form: There are multiple forms available on the IRS website that may apply to certain taxpayers needing an extension.
Find information from the IRS about filing a tax extension at this link.