Don't File Late. Get an Extension.

Most people say they are not sweating the April 15 tax deadline.

All state and federal tax returns must be post-marked by midnight, April 15th. Anything turned in later will incur a penalty. And if you owe money, the fine gets steeper. A maximum of 5 percent for each month after the deadline. If you're more than 60 days late, you'll be fined $135, or 100 percent of the unpaid tax -- whichever amount is smaller.

Mark Hanson is a spokesman for the IRS. For people who owe taxes, he has this advice. “Make sure you file your return, or file for a 6-month extension by midnight tonight to avoid the failure to file penalty. Then pay as much as you can because penalty is an interest and is only applied to the balance due after April 15," explains Hanson. "Then get in touch with the IRS as quickly as you're able to set up an alternative payment arrangement."

Also, area post offices will not stay open late Tuesday. Carl Walton is the communications coordinator for the Greensboro District of the United State Postal Service. He says since most tax payers file on-line electronically, the postal service has stopped extended hours on April 15th. According to Walton, most locations close between 5 p.m.-6 p.m. But if you can't make it to a post office by then, Walton says there is an option. "We have automated postal centers, 24-hour kiosk, where people can use a debit or credit card to complete their mail transaction," explains Walton. "Touch screen walks you through the process. It allows you to weigh the piece of mail, asks if you want if certified and if you want a receipt. You can use a debit or a credit card, postage that comes out with the date on it that will suffice and then post it at that post office.”

Most postal services are available at the automated centers. There are nine in the Triad including Burlington. Go to USPS.com to find a postal center in your area.