Tips to get a better refund as tax deadline looms

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The dreaded day is here - tax day.

The usual deadline for residents to file taxes is April 15, but it was pushed back this year because of Emancipation Day.

Roughly 5 million more Americans will file their taxes Monday or could request a six-month extension. People have until midnight to file the paperwork.

Richard Gartland, with H&R Block, said those who may be considering an extension should be aware that they will still have to pay at least a part of what they owe by Monday.

"Well I think the most important thing to know is that today is the deadline - they need to file something," he added. "If you're not able to file your return today - file to for that extension. The reason being the penalties for late filing are 10 times greater than for late payment so even if you owe some money - file today."

Gartland suggested people need to pay attention to credits - such as the earned income tax credit - that they may be eligible for as a way to help get more money back.

The following centers will be collecting mail until midnight on Monday:

-- Los Angeles Processing and Distribution Center, 7001 S. Central Ave.

-- Santa Ana Processing and Distribution Center, 3101 W. Sunflower Ave.

-- San Bernardino Processing and Distribution Center, 1900 W. Redlands Blvd.

The following centers will be collecting mail until 9 p.m. on Monday:

-- Santa Clarita Processing and Distribution Center, 28201 Franklin Parkway

-- Industry Processing and Distribution Center, 15421 Gale Ave., City of Industry.

All other mail collection boxes and post offices will be collecting mail at their regular posted times.