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Haven't filed your tax return yet? It's time to spring into action. Midnight Thursday is the deadline to file your return or request an extension (Form 4868).
You may be in for a pleasant surprise if you haven't run the numbers yet. The average refund is up about 5 percent from last year thanks to tax law changes such as an increase in the child tax credit and a reduction in dividend tax rates.
If you've been procrastinating because you owe the IRS and can't pay, file a return anyway. You can pay later or work out an installment agreement with the IRS (Form 9465). Interest and late payment penalties will apply.
Missing some forms? Print them out from the IRS Web site (www.irs.gov) Just be sure you get them filled out and on their way to the IRS by midnight Thursday. Or join the wave of electronic filers, who account for about 60 percent of the returns filed so far this year. You may be eligible for free online filing; check the IRS Web site for details.
A request for an extension can be filed by mail, electronically or even by telephone by calling toll-free 1-888-796-1074. For a telephone request, you'll need to be ready to supply numbers from your 2002 tax return and Form 4868. You'll also need your bank account number if you are making a tax payment electronically.
If you've already filed, you can check the status of your refund through the IRS Web site.