PORTLAND, Ore. -- Post offices across the state stayed open later on Tuesday to handle the last-minute rush of tax files looking for that April 15th postmark.

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Tax specialists can help you get your taxes filed in time.

For some, the final-day rush was a simple matter of procrastination. Others claimed it was on purpose, waiting as long as possibel to write Uncle Sam his tax check.

Midnight Tuesday was the deadline for filing 2007 tax returns.

The alternative? Form 4868, which provides an automatic six-month extension. The extension does not keep people from paying the taxes owed by the Tuesday deadline. Failure to pay means that interest and possible penalties can pile up, adding to the total amount owed.

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A delay in filing a tax return will also delay payments for those qualified for economic stimulus payments. Filing of a return is necessary for those who qualify for the payments. They are set to begin going out next month.