How do I track my refund? Can I file for a tax extension? What to know about Tax Day 2022

If you've waited until now to file your 2021 income taxes – don't delay. The deadline to file federal, state and local taxes is tonight at midnight.

If you've already filed, you may be awaiting your refund. According to the IRS, filing your taxes online and enabling direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund. The average refund so far this tax season is $3,226.

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Read on below to find out how to track your refund, how to request a tax extension and everything else you need to know this Tax Day.

How can I check the status of my tax refund?

For your federal tax refund, use the "Where’s My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov/refunds. The free IRS2Go mobile app also has a refund-tracker tool. You can check the status of your federal tax refund within 24 hours after submitting your e-file return. If you mailed in your tax return, you can check within four weeks after mailing.

If you're expecting a state tax refund, you can check its status on the Ohio Department of Taxation website at tax.ohio.gov/refund. Or, you can call the toll-free number 1-800-282-1784.

Some taxpayers may qualify for a Cincinnati tax refund. Learn more about city taxes and refunds at cincinnati-oh.gov/finance/income-taxes/.

What's the fastest way to get my refund?

The IRS recommends filing taxes online and using the direct deposit option for your refund to get your money as fast as possible. Taxpayers can choose to get their refund deposited directly into their bank accounts, prepaid debit cards or mobile apps by providing their routing and bank account numbers.

Ohio Tax Commissioner Jeff McClain also advised filing state taxes electronically for the quickest possible refund.

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How long does it take to get a tax refund?

According to the IRS, most taxpayers should receive their tax refunds within 21 days if they filed electronically and chose to get their money through direct deposit. Refunds for mailed-in returns may take longer than 21 days.

Last year, about 74 percent of Ohio taxpayers received a refund, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation. If you filed your state tax online and chose direct deposit for your refund, you should get your money less than two weeks after filing. Taxpayers who mailed in their returns, however, should receive their refunds within two to three months.

Can I file for an extension?

Not ready to file your taxes? The deadline to request a tax extension is also today.

You can do so with the "Free File" tool on IRS.gov to electronically request a six-month extension. The extended tax deadline is Oct. 17.

However, there is no extension on payments. Therefore, if you think you'll owe tax, it's best to make a payment today to avoid getting hit with interest and other penalties later on.

If you owe any state tax, you must still pay it before midnight tonight to avoid penalty and interest charges.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

According to H&R Block, there is no federal penalty if you don't owe any tax. However, you won't receive a refund until after you file your return.

If you owe money, expect to be charged 5 percent of your unpaid tax – called the "Failure to File Penalty" – each month that your federal tax return is late. The most you can be charged is 25 percent of your unpaid taxes.

Ohio taxpayers are subject to a 3 percent interest rate on unpaid state tax this year. The late filing penalty is either 5 percent of the tax due or $50, whichever is greater, for each month that the return is late. The maximum penalty is 50 percent of the tax due or $500, the latter of which you'll have to pay even if you're entitled to a refund.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: It's Tax Day 2022. How to track tax return, file a tax extension