Today is the April 15th deadline for US taxpayers. If you can't file, or mail, your taxes by today you should file an extension that allows you to delay your tax return until October 15th.

File for an Extension

This is quite simple and can be done through IRS freefile website, through many other eFile services, such as TurboTax and TaxACT, or by sending in the forms by mail.

You will need to fill in Form 4868.

Be aware that while this gives you an extension for filing the paperwork, you still need to pay any taxes you are due by April 15 to avoid interest charges. In most cases, paying 90% of any owed taxes for the year should avoid late-payment fees.

If you do not file your taxes and no not file for an extension you will incur a failure-to-file penalty, which could be 5% of your taxes per month up to 6 months, and then either $135 of 100% of your taxes.

Bitcoin Taxes

You can continue to use BitcoinTaxes during your extension period to calculate income and capital gains for 2014.

Sign up for a free account to import your Bitcoin and other digital currency trading, spending and mining information and calculate your Bitcoin capital gains and tax liabilities.