IRS extends tax deadline to April 17

WASHINGTON -- Does the mere mention of April 15 send chills up your spine? Not to worry -- the Internal Revenue Service has postponed this year's deadline for filing federal income taxes until two days later.

The IRS said Wednesday that taxpayers will have until April 17 to file their 2011 returns, thanks to two quirks of the calendar.

April 15 falls on a Sunday this year, and the following day is Emancipation Day, which is observed in the District of Columbia. By federal law, District of Columbia holidays affect tax deadlines the same way federal holidays do, giving taxpayers an extra day.

People requesting an extension will have until Oct. 15 to file. -- AP