Tax deadline, protests today
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com
The day technically isn’t over until 11:59 p.m., but taxpayers will need to make it to the post office hours earlier to get an April 15 postmark on their tax filings.
“We’re encouraging customers to get it done as soon as possible so they don’t miss local collection times,” said Tim Ratliff, U.S. Postal Service spokesman.
Most area post offices won’t have extended hours. The last collection in Ringwood is at 4:30 p.m. In Cary, the last collection is at 5:30 p.m., and in McHenry, it’s at 5:45 p.m.
The Algonquin East Branch of the post office, 1420 E. Algonquin Road, will be open until 7 p.m. The Wonder Lake post office closes at 5 p.m., but anything that’s dropped in the outdoor mailboxes before midnight will be postmarked April 15.
Those who aren’t able to meet the filing deadline should request a six-month extension or they could face interest on unpaid taxes and a failure-to-file penalty. But taxpayers who know they’ll be receiving a refund on their tax filings don’t necessarily need to request an extension.
“You’re not penalized for filing a return late that qualifies for a refund,” said Sue Hales, IRS spokeswoman.
Meanwhile, nationwide “Tea Party” protests against government spending will be marked by rallies throughout the county.
Fueled by tax increases, the stimulus package and other governmental gripes, protesters will gather at noon at 101 S. Harrison St., Algonquin; noon at the southeast corner of Route 14 and Main Street in Crystal Lake; and at 3 p.m. at the Cary Metra station.
“Personally, the AIG bonuses got me ticked off,” said Jim Thompson of Crystal Lake, one of the rally facilitators. “Some people are annoyed over other things.”
