How to File your Tax Returns if you Can't Meet the April 15 Deadline?

Last minute Christmas Eve shoppers, clueless husbands on wedding anniversaries, and the worst of all... APRIL 15 tax procrastinators!

Gather up all 3 of these poor stressed out souls in one place and what do you get? More pissed off, ready to snap lunatics than a college dorm full of horny computer geeks with a malfunctioning Internet connection.

Unfortunately, Christmas is over and I've got my own girlfriend to worry about, so I can't help the first two groups. However, for the unprepared tax filer, I can spike your drink with a few proverbial Xanax.

Welcome to the lesser known world of TAX EXTENSIONS!

The IRS isn't going to jump into your wallet and make you pay your taxes on April 15th if you don't have your tax returns in order. In fact, they don't require pre-approval to file for this extension and it's very easy simple form to complete (see picture).

If you pay a visit the IRS website, and search for FORM 4868, you're good to go!

Simply follow the directions, and pay the amount you think you owe Uncle Sam (if any). This can be done via snail mail, electronically via your tax software, or by asking your tax preparation professional for assistance.

Now, since I've already labeled you as a slacker, let me give you a moment of pause.

This is an extension only! It is not a means to avoid filing your tax returns by any stretch of the imagination. You have until October 15th, 2008, to file a completed tax return, or you will be receiving a nasty letter from the IRS.

Alternatively, most tax payers actually get money back from the IRS, so why would you want to allow Uncle Sam to hold onto your cash? You could be earning interest on your cash right now, instead of stressing about a way to prolong your tax preparation.

Just remember, the IRS is an entity that NEVER forgets the slightest detail, and are well renowned for slapping delinquent taxpayers with a hefty fine, or worse yet, a loss of personal property like your home. Under no circumstances should you to screw around with the IRS on such an obvious violation.

Don't believe me? Go ask Wesley Snipes about how serious the IRS can be when you have a few bucks in which they are entitled too.

So don't mess around with the IRS just because you have a hot date and a decent shot at getting lucky on April 14th. Unless - she's a total knockout or has a twin sister that doesn't mind sharing!

Questions/comments/concerns are always welcome.