Tax deadline is today

Taxpayers were allowed an extra two days to file this year due to calendar oddities, but today is the last day to file without an extension.

April 15 fell on a Sunday this year, and on Monday workers in Washington, D.C., were off because of Emancipation Day.

U.S. post offices will be treating the day like a normal Tuesday and will not be offering last-second postmarks.

Although Illinois did not recognize Emancipation Day, the state follows the Internal Revenue Service's rules regarding filing deadlines not falling on holidays.

Internal Revenue Service officials are warning procrastinators of computer slow downs as servers are expected to be jammed with last-minute electronic filers Tuesday.

Taxpayers who file electronically and request a direct deposit will receive a refund more quickly than those who want a check. That could take between nine and 12 weeks to be mailed.