Taxpayers Have Extra Time to File Returns

Tax day --the deadline for individual income tax returns to be postmarked to the federal government -- is rapidly approaching, but taxpayers have a couple of extra days to file this year.

Thanks to the little-known holiday Emancipation Day, which the District of Columbia will observe on April 15, taxpayers have until Monday, April 18 to to file their 2010 tax returns, according to a news release from the Internal Revenue Service.

The deadline for those that request extensions to file will be Oct. 17.

Here are some area post offices where, if you chose, you may mail tax returns:

Most United States Post Offices will operate under regular business hours on April 18, but two in Athens will be open until 7 p.m.: and 1695 South Lumpkin Street.

Take a look at some last minute tax filing tips from the IRS:

1. File Electronically Consider filing electronically instead of using paper tax forms. If you file electronically and choose to have your tax refund deposited directly into your bank account, you will have your money in as few as 10 days. Virtually everyone can prepare a return and electronically file it for free.
2. Check the Identification Numbers When filing a paper return carefully check the identification numbers — usually Social Security numbers — for each person listed. This includes you, your spouse, dependents and persons listed in relation to claims for the Child and Dependent Care Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit. Missing, incorrect or illegible Social Security numbers can delay or reduce a tax refund.
3. Double-Check Your Figures If you are filing a paper return, you should double-check that you have correctly figured the refund or balance due.
4. Check the Tax Tables If you are filing using the Free File Fillable Forms or a paper return you should double-check that you have used the right figure from the tax table.
5. Sign your form You must sign and date your return. Both spouses must sign a joint return, even if only one had income. Anyone paid to prepare a return must also sign it.
6. Mailing Your Return Use the coded envelope included with your tax package to mail your return. If you did not receive an envelope, check the section called "Where Do You File?" in the tax instruction booklet. 
7. Mailing a Payment People sending a payment should make the check out to “United States Treasury” and should enclose it with, but not attach it to the tax return or the Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, if used. The check should include the Social Security number of the person listed first on the return, daytime phone number, the tax year and the type of form filed.
8. Electronic Payments Electronic payment options are convenient, safe and secure methods for paying taxes. You can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal, or use a credit or a debit card.
9. Extension to File By the April due date, you should either file a return or request an extension of time to file. Remember, the extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.
10. IRS.gov Forms and publications and helpful information on a variety of tax subjects are available around the clock at IRS.gov. You can also check the status of your refund after you file your return by clicking on Where’s My Refund?.