WASHINGTON - Taxpayers who need more time to complete their returns should submit their requests for an automatic extension electronically by April 15, the Internal Revenue Service urged today.

This year, anyone, regardless of income, can e-file their extensions at no cost from a home computer using IRS traditional FreeFile or FreeFile Fillable Forms. E-filing a request for an extension using either form of FreeFile is convenient, safe and secure, and taxpayers receive confirmation to keep with their records.

The IRS expects to receive 1.9 million extension requests electronically this year. A total of almost 10 million extension requests are expected during 2009 compared with 9.5 million extensions received during 2008.

The extension gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file the tax return. An extension does not give the taxpayer an extension of time to pay. Those who owe taxes can make a payment when they file the extension either by mailing a check or by several electronic payment methods, such as electronic funds withdrawals from bank accounts and credit card payments.

Taxpayers can get an automatic six-month extension of time to file their tax returns by filing Form 4868, Automatic Extension of Time to File.

Taxpayers can e-file the extension from a home computer or through a tax professional who uses e-file.

Some taxpayers can wait until after April 15 to file a return, pay any taxes due and make IRA contributions for 2008. As a general rule, those eligible get the extra time without having to ask for it. Eligible taxpayers include:

• Members of the military serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or other combat zone localities. Normally, the postponement is until at least 180 days after the service member leaves the combat zone.
• Victims of severe flooding in Minnesota and North Dakota have an extra 30 days, until May 15, to file their 2008 individual tax returns and pay any taxes due. Similarly, victims of severe storms and tornadoes in three Oklahoma counties have until May 11 to file and pay.

2009 FILING SEASON STATISTICS
Cumulative through the weeks ending 4/4/08 and 4/3/09
Individual Income Tax Returns	2008		2009		% Change
Total Receipts	96,821,000		92,292,000		-4.7%
Total Processed	90,064,000		89,215,000		-0.9%
E-filing Receipts:
TOTAL	67,437,000		70,907,000		5.1%
Tax Professionals	47,184,000		46,860,000		-0.7%
Self-prepared	20,253,000		24,046,000		18.7%
Web Usage:
Visits to IRS.gov	131,296,000		157,895,000		20.3%
Total Refunds:
Number	75,136,000		77,720,000		3.4%
Amount	$183.044	Billion	$210.243	Billion	14.9%
Average refund	$2,436		$2,705		11.0%
Direct Deposit Refunds:
Number	53,694,000		58,294,000		8.6%
Amount	$147.164	Billion	$173.408	Billion	17.8%
Average refund	$2,741		$2,975		8.5%

2009 FILING SEASON STATISTICS
Cumulative through the weeks ending 3/28/08 and 3/27/09
Individual Income Tax Returns	2008		2009		% Change
Total Receipts	86,817,000		84,586,000		-2.6%
Total Processed	81,644,000		81,970,000		0.4%
E-filing Receipts:
TOTAL	62,237,000		65,932,000		5.9%
Tax Professionals	43,366,000		43,329,000		-0.1%
Self-prepared	18,870,000		22,603,000		19.8%
Web Usage:
Visits to IRS.gov	120,604,000		147,478,000		22.3%
Total Refunds:
Number	69,823,000		72,290,000		3.5%
Amount	$172.017	Billion	$196.563	Billion	14.3%
Average refund	$2,464		$2,719		10.4%
Direct Deposit Refunds:
Number	50,788,000		55,202,000		8.7%
Amount	$140.216	Billion	$164.657	Billion	17.4%
Average refund	$2,761		$2,983		8.0%