With taxes, sometimes it can slip away from us.  Sure there are constant reminders on the news, tax tip articles on every web portal, forms pouring in the mail, but sometimes we forget anyway.  Perhaps on purpose. Sure.  But now that the deadline is looming, what are the options?

Well the tax deadline for 2011 tax returns is April 17th, 2012. Yes that is a Tuesday. Yes, that is different than the 15th.  The due date actually varies frequently from the 15th.  For example this time the 15th is on a Sunday, so the due date is automatically put off.  Problem is April 16th is Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia. So the due date gets pushed off again.  I am not complaining about that one.

But even though it is only a District of Columbia holiday, Ohio, Canton, Massillon, CCA (Cleveland), and pretty much most tax districts follow suit. Their deadlines are also the 17th of April.

What if those two extra days still aren’t enough? Well you can file for an extension.  Individual extensions can be filed that extend the deadline for six months to October 15th. The form used is 4868.  This is an extension to file, not an extension to pay.  So if you think you of may owe, you can send in a payment with the extension to lessen or avoid penalties and interest. Other business entities can be extended as well.  Don’t forget some Ohio cities do not accept federal extensions so consider sending one to them.

So you can cram it all in this weekend and file on the 17th, or file an extension and maybe pay an estimate with it. I can e-file extensions rather easily and may even be able to help you file on time! Happy filing!