The tax return deadline is approaching. Here's what to know (and a few deals, too)

Have you filed your tax return yet? 

If you haven't, you're not alone. Nearly a third of Americans procrastinate and wait until the last minute to file taxes, according to a survey by the small business research site Chamber of Commerce. 

And the deadline is quickly approaching. We're just over a week away from the April 18 deadline to file 2022 federal income tax returns. This year, you have three extra days to file because the deadline was pushed back from the typical tax day, April 15.

Here's what you should know if you're worried you won't be able to file by the deadline. (And you can read more on what happens if you don't pay on time here.)

IRS tax refund status: How long it's taking to receive refunds during 2023 tax season

Tax prep for next year: What to do with your money now so you pay less next year 

Missing a refund? How to get your 2021 refund if you haven't already

How do I file a tax extension?

If you need more time to prepare your federal tax return, you can apply for an extension.

A tax extension gives you until Oct. 16 to file your taxes. To request an extension, you must submit an application to the IRS. 

You can request more time to file before the April 18 deadline, but keep in mind that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes. That means if you owe money, you should pay before the due date to avoid any penalties and interest .

What triggers a tax penalty?

If you don't file your tax return on time, the IRS could charge you with failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties. 

The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month that a tax return is late. It won't be more than 25% of your unpaid taxes.

Meanwhile, the failure-to-pay penalty is 0.5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month your taxes go unpaid. It won't exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes.

If you owe both, the combined penalty won't exceed 5% of your unpaid tax bill. 

Tax day freebies and deals

For many, tax season brings a lot of stress as filing returns can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process. Luckily, there are a few freebies and deals out there to sweeten your mood as you file your return. 

• Boston Market: Get a half-chicken individual meal with two sides, cornbread, a regular fountain drink and a cookie for $10.40 on April 18. No coupon is needed. 
• Kona Ice: On Tax Day, Kona Ice wants you to chill out. Trucks around the country will serve free cups of shaved ice to all guests on April 18. Check locations and times here.
• Nestlé: Get Nestlé Rallies Nut Butter Bombs for 25% off on Amazon with the code Rallies2023. 
• Potbelly Sandwich Works: On Tax Day, buy an original-sized sandwich and get a second one for free with the promo code BOGO. The offer is only available online and through the app.
• Wayback Burgers: Get 18% off orders on April 18  when you order through the Wayback Burgers app.