One of the reasons people wait to do their taxes is they're afraid they'll owe, or if they do owe, they're afraid it will be worse than it really is.

It's practically as complicated to file an extension as it is to file a return.

Don't forget to take a deep breath and get your papers in order.

Once consumers file online, they tend to stay online. The number of people filing their federal taxes online continues to grow with do-it-yourself software paving the way. This year, nearly an equal proportion of consumers will file online using tax software as will file online using a professional service.

I think the people of Alabama now realize that they would rather have Don's lottery than Bob and Lucy's taxes.

I think people are used to seeing taxes at the end of their receipt.