Late tax filers, you have some options
The tax filing deadline is midnight tomorrow, but don't panic. You still have some time - and options.
For instance, you can get a six-month extension if you need breathing room to prepare your return. And if you can't afford your tax bill, Uncle Sam can work out a payment plan.
"We're telling people to call us so that we can work with them if they're facing financial difficulties," said Peggy Riley, an Internal Revenue Service spokeswoman.
Through April 3, the IRS had received about 2 million Massachusetts returns, or about 66 percent of the projected total of 3 million.
The IRS expects about 194,000 Massachusetts filers to apply for extensions. The deadline for getting an extension is also Wednesday.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you finish your taxes:
Mail it. The US Postal Service said it will not offer extended hours at offices in the southeast New England district tomorrow, in part because many customers are filing taxes electronically. You can check local post office hours online at www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS. If you need every last minute, the Fort Point station in Boston is regularly open until midnight. Also, you may be able to file your federal return free of charge electronically through the IRS website, www.irs.gov, and your state return on the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website at www.mass.gov/dor.
Need more time? For a six-month extension, pick up form 4868 or go to the IRS website. If you owe no additional tax or are due a refund, an extension is generally automatic with no form required. But you still could face possible late penalties and interest on federal and state extensions for not paying any tax you owe by the original deadline. So if you owe money, you'll need to estimate how much you owe and pay it, or otherwise face penalties.
Unable to pay? Get form 9465, or file an online installment agreement on the IRS website. Call 800-829-1040, or visit an IRS office to work out a payment plan. New this year: if you can't keep up payments on a previous installment agreement, the IRS can help. Previously, if you missed a payment, the total bill would become due immediately.
New home buyers: If you buy your first home in 2009 through November, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to $8,000. This credit generally doesn't have to be repaid. But you can speed the payoff by claiming the credit for this year's purchase on 2008's return. Last year's $7,500 credit, claimed on 2008 returns for qualifying homes bought last year after April 8, must eventually be repaid.
Unemployed? The new stimulus bill exempts up to $2,400 of unemployment compensation received this year from federal taxes.
Recovery rebate credit: Remember the rebate checks from Uncle Sam last year? If you didn't get one, you may have another crack. A change in finances or other status in 2008 can override the 2007 information the IRS used last year.
Globe correspondent Leonard Wiener contributed to this report. 