The clock is ticking for last minute tax filers. The deadline is midnight to get those federal tax forms in the mail.
While procrastinators got an extra three days because of a D.C. holiday, the rush was still on.
As the day progressed at H&R Block at Ala Moana Center, a steady stream of customers rolled in. Workers here know that tax deadline day can sometimes reach into that magical hour.
"We had people banging on this door at 12 o'clock. I remember there was six or seven people that were trying to get in at that time," said H&R Block tax specialist Andrew Macko.
Last minute filers tend to be those who owe the IRS money. But in some cases, some people just like the thrill of living dangerously.
"Oh, I like to work under pressure too so that's why I like to do it right at the last moment too," said last minute filer Edwin Rivera.
For those who can't get their taxes done by midnight though, the best thing to do is to file an extension. That will give them until October 15th to file their return. Tax preparers point out that it's an extension to file, but not an extension to pay. So taxpayers still need to figure out how much they owe, and pay at least 90 percent of that. Otherwise, Uncle Sam will charge a five percent penalty plus interest. If you file an extension, you can work out an installment plan.
"If you cannot make the payment one time then the IRS is willing to set up the installment agreement and you can do that," said H&R Block tax specialist Jumina Stribling.
Stribling says the worst thing a person can do is not file at all, which happens more than people expect. It certainly hurts those who are eligible for a refund. The IRS says there's more than a billion dollars in unclaimed tax refunds. And those who are eligible have three years to claim them.
"And then after that sorry, sayonara, goodbye, best of luck next time," Stribling said.
The U.S. Post Office is offering late collection of mail for last second filers. A total of 27 post offices around the state will have specially marked collection boxes.
