Did you ask for an automatic extension to file your taxes this year? If you did, then the last deadline for you to file is finally coming up on October 15^th. This is the deadline for the vast majority of people who requested a filing extension, with some exceptions for those who are overseas, or live in an area which is recognized by the IRS as one that was hit by a disaster this year. But otherwise, October 15^th is the last day you can file online and avoid late filing penalties. This goes for both your federal and state returns if you requested a federal extension – Maryland will give taxpayers an automatic six-month extension just like the IRS – but don’t forget, you still need to file both of them!

The good news is that IRS e-file will be open until October 15^th as well, which can mean an easy way for you to file on time. You can do this through online tax preparation software like turbo tax, but you should also check whether you qualify for IRS Free File first: IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free | Internal Revenue Service. This service can give you all the help you need to file your own taxes online. It connects taxpayers below certain income limits, the highest usually being around $77,000 annually, with private companies the IRS has partnered with to offer completely free online filing options. Some of these programs even let you file your state tax returns at the same time!