Did You Know You Have Extra Time To File Taxes This Year?

If you're rushing to get your taxes done, you'll be relieved to know you have a few extra days this year, thanks to the Easter holiday.

Federal and State of Maine taxes are not due until April 18th this year, thanks to a couple of issues. First, April 15th (the usual deadline) falls on a Saturday this year, so that pushed the deadline to Monday, April 17th. But Sunday, the 16th, is Easter and so the post office and all government offices will be closed on Monday, pushing the deadline to Tuesday the 18th. Cool!

I empathize with anyone who waits until the last minute. I, too, have always been a procrastinator, dropping my finished returns in the mail just before 5:00 on April 15th. Sometimes I've even taken them to the post office after it closed and kept my fingers crossed that I wouldn't get penalized.

But this year, I decided to check out an online prep site to see if it could help me navigate a few changes to my status, like the fact that I have a new husband and we were filing a joint return. It worked out great and I had my taxes done over a month ago. I have to admit, it's been a great feeling, not having to worry about getting my returns prepared. But, on the other hand, I'll miss that feeling of accomplishment that comes with beating the deadline by minutes!