Tax Day 2023: File Now to Avoid Penalties, Enjoy Deals; Average Refunds Up

Today, April 15, is tax day - the deadline for filing your 2023 tax return. You can request a filing extension, but extensions don't apply to payment - taxes owed are still due today.

The IRS has processed over 100 million tax returns and issued average refunds of $3,011 so far this tax season. Refund amounts are up nearly 5% over last year.

If your taxes are late, you'll face penalties - 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25% of what you owe. To avoid penalties, file an extension by today and pay any taxes owed.

Several restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen, Dave & Buster’s, Hooters, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Round Table Pizza, Fazoli’s and Arby’s are offering Tax Day food deals and freebies.

If you still need to file today, experts recommend filing electronically if possible over mailing paper returns, even though online systems may be overloaded.