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Time is not on the side of anyone who has yet to file their income taxes.

The IRS requires residents to have their tax returns filed online or postmarked by today, April 15, to be considered on time.

In order to receive the federal economic stimulus refund, residents must file their taxes. Checks will begin distribution to households in May, said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.

For those not normally required to file, such as retirees, disabled veterans or anyone who has at least $3,000 in eligible income, they have until Oct. 15, said Lucy Crane, manager of community impact for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

It's better to get to the post office early to mail forms to avoid the long lines created by fellow procrastinators, said Regina Wagers of Abacus Tax Services in Monroe.

"It's typical for people to have their taxes filed at this point, they are just waiting until the last minute to get them in the mail. I would say 90 percent of Americans have filed at this point, they just haven't sent them in yet," Wagers said.

Most late filers are those who owe the IRS, said Sandy Williams-Mueller, tax superintendent for Middletown's Division of Income Tax office.

However, waiting to send in forms can cost residents fines.

"Payments are still due April 15 whether they file for an extension or not," Williams-Mueller said. "Even if they can't pay, they are better off filing than getting the $25 failure to file fee. We're always willing to do a payment plan."

Filing an extension will not delay disbursement of the rebate check, said Shulman.

There are several options left to last-minute filers:

• The Middletown Division of Income Tax office will be open until 7 p.m. and Hamilton's office will be open until 8 p.m. today. Both offices will offer free assistance to residents filing their city income taxes.

• Receive a six-month extension and avoid a late fee by using Form 4868. Download a form at IRS.gov.

• If you cannot pay the full amount due, ask to make monthly installment payments. Apply with the Online Payment Agreement application on IRS.gov.

Some tax businesses, such as H&R Block, have extended hours to help last minute filers, said Jay Bopp, H&R Block district manager.

The IRS also offers toll-free assistance at (800) 829-1040.

Special post office hours

• Hamilton: No special hours.

• Fairfield: 700 Wessel Dr., open until 12 a.m.

• Cincinnati: 1591 Dalton Ave., open until 12 a.m.

• West Chester Twp.: 8730 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd., open until 7 p.m.

• Middletown: 320 N. Verity Pkwy., will have express lane for tax form postmarks until 5 p.m.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jlander@coxohio.com.

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