WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The deadline to file taxes is just a few days away. The last day to file your taxes is Tuesday, April 15. While millions of Americans have already filed their taxes, tax expert Ray Maagero told 22News the latest IRS statistics are actually down one percent, meanin g there are many people that still need to file their taxes. If you haven't filed yet, you should gather all of the important documents, as many factors can impact your tax returns. Red Cross honors local frontline heroes "How did they do last year, what's different this year?" said Maagero of Liberty Tax. "Did they get married, did they get divorced, did they buy a home, is one of their children in school? All those things can affect what your return might look like this year versus last year." If you're able to get your taxes done before the Tuesday deadline, you can file for an extension--however, you still have to pay. There are a few ways to receive an extension through the IRS. "Filing on time is the most critical piece," Maagero said. "If you file late, then the penalties are 25% of the tax due, up to 25%." You can pay what you owe online using an online payment option and check the box that you are paying as part of filing for an extension, you can use the IRS Free File program to electronically request an automatic extension, or you can file for an extension using the proper form either by mail, online or through a tax professional. You will have to estimate how much tax you owe on the form. A few other situations that may warrant an automatic extension include if you are living out of the country when taxes are due or if you have been impacted by an approved disaster. However, Massachusetts residents didn't receive any automatic extensions for disasters. Maagero said there is a key reminder for those who may be looking at an extension. "An extension is time to file your tax return, but it's not an extension of time to pay your tax," Maagero said. "So you have to make your best guess as to what your tax liability is going to be, and pay as much as you can or all of it by the 15th." Local News Headlines Last-minute reminders before tax deadline on Tuesday Plymouth woman wins $1,000 a Week for Life lottery prize This New England bar is being called one of the most ‘outstanding’ in the country Winter Weather Advisory through Saturday afternoon WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less