Usually at this time of year, many taxpayers would be sweating it out as the clock ticks toward the tax-filing deadline of midnight on April 15.
Luckily for the procrastinators among us, the date known as Tax Day comes a little later this year - April 18 for both federal and state returns - thanks to a holiday obscure to most Americans.
Tax Day normally falls on April 15, unless that day happens to be on a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday.
While April 15 this year meets none of those criteria, the Internal Revenue Service extended the deadline by one business day - to Monday - in deference to Emancipation Day, an official holiday in the District of Columbia since 2005.
Emancipation Day marks the anniversary of the day in 1862 when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, freeing about 3,100 slaves in the District.
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The holiday is normally observed on April 16. But since that falls on a Saturday this year, it's being celebrated on April 15, prompting the IRS to move Tax Day.
So, thank the District of Columbia, thank Lincoln, thank your accountant - in any case, you've a few more days to square things with Uncle Sam (and Aunt Jan).
Last-minute help
Professional services
Places like H&R Block and Jackson-Hewitt are offering extended hours leading up to Monday's deadline.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Some sites are open between now and Monday's deadline. The program provides free tax help to low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
• The VITA site at the Pio Decimo Center, 848 S. Seventh Ave., will offer help Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to midnight.
• Call 622-2801, Ext. 127, for more details on other sites.
AARP
It offers tax help geared toward seniors through its Tax-Aide program, and some local sites are open before Monday. To find local sites and schedules, go to www.aarp.org
The IRS
The office at 300 W. Congress St. is offering extended hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today, Friday and Monday. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for help finding a nearby tax-help site.
By the Numbers
4.4 million
Arizonans projected to file 2010 federal income-tax returns
313,500
Arizonans expected to request a filing extension
Source: Internal Revenue Service
Need more time?
Can't find a critical receipt? Having trouble sorting out a hash of documents?
You can file for an extension (IRS Form 4868 or Electronic Form 4868; Arizona Form 204) and automatically get an extra six months to file.
Beware: By filing for an extension, you'll avoid any late-filing penalties. But if you owe the feds or the state unpaid taxes, you may be liable for interest or penalties on any unpaid tax due (so if possible, pay an estimate of the amount due with your extension).