Hurry Up! Tax Tips at the 11th Hour

In some cases, approval is virtually automatic and can even be done online.

In cases of temporary difficulty, the IRS may allow up to 120 days in which to clear up a debt without the extra fee of as much as $105 charged for a full installment plan.

Pull out the plastic. Though it can be costly, you can use a credit card to pay tax by going through one of two firms authorized by the IRS to accept credit card payments on its behalf. They are Official Payments and Pay1040.com. The firms levy a "convenience fee" for the service—and don't forget the interest that may be charged on balances by your credit card issuer.

Do nothing?

Fact: If you do not owe additional tax and file late without an extension, there is no penalty. So you could sit back and take your time.

But this can backfire if you erroneously think you owe nothing or a later audit uncovers additional tax.

Assuming you're clearly due a refund, you can dawdle with ease past April 15, but remember, it's your money you're waiting to collect.

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