Taxpayers Get Extra Weekend to Prepare Returns with Extended Filing Deadline

The familiar April 15 deadline for filing federal and state tax returns is three days later this year, thanks to a little-known holiday celebrated in the District of Columbia called Emancipation Day.

It marks the day President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862, which freed about 3,100 slaves in the district. Normally, the holiday is recognized on April 16, but when it falls on a Saturday, like this year, it is observed the preceding Friday. Under the tax law, District of Columbia holidays are considered federal holidays, which prompted the IRS to move the deadline to April 18.

Debbie Copeland, a senior tax advisor with , said that many taxpayers wait until the last minute, no matter what day the deadline is.

“The IRS was late with some forms this year, and a lot of people procrastinate anyway,” Copeland said. “Now they’re realizing it’s April and the deadline is here.”

The Internal Revenue Service estimates that 20 to 25 percent of all taxpayers file wait to file until the last two weeks of tax season and about 7 percent request six-month extensions to file. 

Taxpayers seeking extensions can file Form 4868 electronically through IRS e-file, ask their tax preparer to file the form for a fee, or mail a paper copy to the IRS.

“But an extension doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay,” Copeland emphasized.  H&R Block advises its clients that while the new deadline for filing a return will be Oct. 17, the IRS will charge you interest unless you make a payment that's close to your tax liability; that payment should be submitted with Form 4868.

The IRS is encouraging all taxpayers to file electronically, and H&R Block will take care of the filing for its clients, either those who come into one of the offices, or use the online H&R Block software.

Michael Devine, an IRS spokesman for Missouri and Kansas, said that as of April 1, 90 percent of all returns filed in Missouri have been e-filed.

“E-filing is the best way to file, and it’s the most accurate,” he said. “You won’t miss a credit if you e-file, and if you use direct deposit, you’ll get your refund in 10 days or less.”

Valerie Hughes, a spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service in St. Louis, said because of the decrease in the number of paper returns, all St. Louis-area post offices would maintain regular business hours on April 18. The only exception is the main post office at 1720 Market St., which will have workers stationed on the street picking up the returns so people don’t have to get out of their cars.

“We haven’t had extended hours at our local post offices the last couple of years because fewer people are mailing their returns, and the postal service is facing financial difficulties,” she said.

Copeland, who has 13 years experience with clients who wait until the last minute, offers one piece of advice above all. “Make sure you have all your documents together before you come into the office,” she said.

For more information on e-filing your returns with the IRS, click here.