Today is April 15th—Tax Day—a date that arrives every year with the certainty of the seasons and the dread of millions. No, it’s not April Fools’ Day again, though many might wish it were. For taxpayers across the country, and especially in Southern Oregon, April 15th marks the final day to submit federal and state income tax returns for the previous calendar year, unless an extension has been filed.
Across Jackson and Josephine counties, accountants, tax preparers, and do-it-yourselfers have been working overtime, burning the midnight oil and scanning receipts, statements, and W-2s in an effort to meet the IRS deadline. While it’s one of the least liked days of the year, according to surveys by financial think tanks and accounting software companies, it’s also one of the most important. Avoiding or delaying action today can have costly consequences later.
For those still scrambling to file, there’s still time—but not much. The IRS allows electronic filing of returns until midnight local time. In most cases, using services such as IRS Free File or tax prep software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxSlayer can streamline the process. Southern Oregon residents who prefer to file in person should be aware that most local post offices have adjusted hours today, with a few offering extended evening drop-offs. However, not all postal locations stay open late anymore, so checking online for hours of operation is crucial.
Filing an extension is also an option for those who just can’t pull it off today. Form 4868 allows individuals to delay filing their tax return until October 15th. It’s a relatively simple form, and many tax software systems offer it with a few clicks. But here’s the important distinction: an extension gives you more time to file your return, not more time to pay any taxes owed. If you think you’ll owe money, it’s best to estimate the amount and submit a payment today to avoid interest and potential penalties.
For residents in Southern Oregon, especially those self-employed or running small businesses, Tax Day has added complexity. With changes in tax laws and credits over the last few years, including the phasing out of certain pandemic-related relief measures, staying current on deductions, liabilities, and reporting obligations is essential. Many local tax professionals have reported a rise in last-minute clients this year, possibly due to inflation, new home-based work arrangements, or confusion about recent IRS updates.
Interestingly, April 15th wasn’t always Tax Day. Prior to 1955, Americans had until March 15th to file their returns. Congress moved the date to April to spread out the workload for the IRS. Since then, it has become a cultural marker—much like New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July—except with less confetti and far more paperwork. Over the years, when the 15th falls on a weekend or a holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. But this year, there are no such reprieves.
Despite the stress and procrastination associated with Tax Day, there is a silver lining: for those expecting refunds, filing today can help kickstart the return process and get that money back into your bank account sooner. The IRS says most refunds are processed within 21 days when filed electronically and using direct deposit. That extra cash can make a real difference, especially for households still feeling the pinch of rising costs in groceries, fuel, and utilities.
And then, of course, there’s the personal side of April 15th. For this writer, today is more than just tax day—it’s also the anniversary of a union sealed decades ago. My father, an accountant, chose this day with a mischievous grin, perhaps knowing full well that every year, he’d never forget his anniversary—and neither would my mother. Whether it was intended as a joke or simply the only available date on the calendar, it’s a reminder that life has a sense of humor, even when buried beneath W-2s and 1099s.
So, as the sun sets on another April 15th, take heart. Whether you’ve filed early, are submitting at the buzzer, or requesting more time, know that millions of Americans are right there with you. Take a deep breath, double-check your numbers, and remember that tomorrow is a brand-new day—one without the weight of tax forms looming over your head. And to my parents: Happy Anniversary.
