The IRS urges taxpayers who need additional time to complete their tax returns to e-file their requests for extensions by April 15. All taxpayers can e-file a Form 4868, Automatic Extension of Time to File at no cost from a home computer. This is a convenient and secure way to receive confirmation of your extension for your records.

The extension gives taxpayers 6 more months or until October 15 to file their tax returns.

While an extension grants a an extension of time to file, it is important to note that it does not give the taxpayer an extension of time to pay.

If you can’t afford to pay your taxes, know that their are ways to stay out of tax trouble and avoid IRS penalties.

Some taxpayers can wait until after April 15 to file a return, pay any taxes due and make IRA contributions for 2007. As a general rule, those eligible get the extra time without having to ask for it. Eligible taxpayers include:

• Members of the military serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or other combat zone localities. Normally, the postponement is until 180 days after the service member leaves the combat zone.

• Disaster-area taxpayers in four states affected by recent floods, storms and tornadoes. The postponement is until May 6 in parts of Illinois, May 19 in parts of Georgia and parts of Missouri and May 27 in parts of Arkansas.

IRS expects to receive 10.3 million extension requests during 2008 compared with 10 million extensions received during 2007. The IRS expects to receive almost 2 million extension requests electronically this year.

**If you have unfiled tax returns or need income tax relief, our specialized staff of attorneys, CPAs, EAs and tax professionals can help. Visit the Tax Resolution Services web site for a free tax relief consultation or call us at 866-IRS-PROBLEMS.

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