Financial Planner

Checklist: Your Taxes

Things to do this weekend with your money

The deadline for federal and state tax returns is Monday because April 15 falls on a Saturday this year.

* Today: Don’t try to rush through a complicated return; you’re more likely to make mistakes and trigger an audit. Procrastinators can file Form 4868 to get a four-month extension for their federal return and a six-month extension for their California return. The extension only gives extra time to file; you’re expected to estimate and pay any taxes owed by Monday. For more information, visit https://www.latimes.com/taxes.

* Saturday: If you can’t pay your tax bill, file anyway. The penalty for failing to file is much higher than that for failing to pay. For more information, visit https://www.irs.gov/tax_edu /teletax/tc202.html or request Topic 202 from the IRS’ recorded information line at (800) 829-4477. For state tax information, call (800) 852-5711.

* Sunday: Wondering about the status of your refund? If it’s been at least three weeks since you filed your federal return electronically, you can check the progress of your refund check by calling (800) 829-4477. For the status of California state tax refunds, call (800) 338-0505. If you filed a paper return, the typical wait for a refund is six to eight weeks. Make a note: File electronically and use direct deposit for speedier refunds next year.