Herald Staff and wire reports

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Most area post offices appear to be on a normal schedule for the upcoming - and to some, the much-dreaded - tax filing day.

This year, U.S. taxpayers get a small reprieve. Since the traditional filing day, April 15, falls on a Saturday, the deadline is now Monday, April 17.

Toni Agner, postmaster of the Roanoke Rapids U.S Post Office, said the office will not have any special hours and taxes can be dropped off inside the office or in the outside drop box until 5 p.m.

However, there will be people in the lobby on Saturday and Monday just to postmark the forms. On Saturday, the post office will be open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and on Monday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Postmaster Buffi Flagg said the Weldon post office will also hold normal hours, and a representative from the Littleton-based U.S. Post Office said the same.

Agner confirmed the Rocky Mount processing plant located at 201 South George St. will stay open until 11:59 p.m., Monday. Procrastinators may be happy to learn that the IRS has made it easier to file a six-month extension.

Previously, taxpayers could file one form to get a four-month extension until Aug. 15, and then a second form to obtain an additional two-month extension.

Now, by filing the single form 4868, taxpayers can get an automatic extension until Oct. 16. A reason, or even a signature, is not required; however, the form must be filed by April 17.

The IRS warns that a filing extension does not extend the obligation to actually pay the taxes. Therefore, if you do not pay what is owed by April 17, you will owe interest and could be subject to late payment fines.

Businesses seeking the same automatic six-month extension can file a Form 7004. Before, only corporations could get the extension, but now most non-corporate business taxpayers, including partnerships and trusts, can also use the option.