Tax Day is a little less taxing: Federal holiday to extend tax deadlines

PHOENIX — Thanks to a little-known federal holiday, residents all throughout the nation will get a few extra days to get their paperwork and cash together, putting off one of the most dreaded days of the year.

This Friday, April 15, is infamous for one reason: Tax Day.

But due to Emancipation Day, a holiday in Washington D.C. that marks the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Act, taxpayers will get an extra three days to get all their stuff together.

“Due to this federal holiday in the District of Columbia, it pushes the filing due date to the next business day, which happens to be Monday, April 18,” said Bill Brunson of the IRS.

If those three extra days still are not enough, taxpayers can request a 6-month extension before Monday. For those who owe the government some money, they have until Oct. 17 to file their tax return.

Brunson suggested anyone who still can’t meet the deadline request an extension, but for those who actually own anything, make sure you pay now to avoid extra fines.

“If you don’t file on time and you owe money, you’re looking at a 5 percent penalty of the balance due,” he said. “Now, if you go ahead and file on time but you still owe money, it’s only one-half of one percent of the balance due.”

If you need help filing your taxes, resources are available at IRS.gov or at 800-829-1040.

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