Today is Tax Day, which means many taxpayers in the United States may be scrambling to file their forms ahead of the looming deadline.

If you’re among those who procrastinated your taxes, not to worry: The Internal Revenue Service makes it possible to request a deadline extension.

And residents in several states hit this year with severe weather may find that the IRS has automatically provided them with more time to get their paperwork in order.

Here’s what to know about filing tax extensions, and if you live in a state with an automatically extended deadline:

When is the tax deadline?

For those without extensions, the deadline to pay taxes is on April 15 at midnight in the time zone the taxpayer is based in, according to H&R Block.

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Those who mail in official tax forms will meet the deadline as long as they properly postmark it by the due date even if it is received later. Meanwhile, those who file online or through tax software must transmit on or before midnight on April 15 to avoid IRS penalties.

Why would you need a tax extension?

Tax filing extensions are often reserved for those who have complications that make it hard to get all their paperwork together in time.

Because far fewer accountants are out there than there used to be, those who prefer to work with one for tax prep may find that the professional even files an extension on their behalf if that person is overwhelmed.

How do you file a tax extension?

Those interested in filing an extension for federal taxes can use IRS form 486, though it is recommended to file your extension electronically.

The IRS has long been notorious for not keeping on top of the mail it receives, Larry Hoicowitz, owner of Larry Hoicowitz CPA, a Cleveland-based financial planning practice, previously told USA TODAY. Add to that layoffs that have cut staff, and a chaotic return-to-office transition, and you’re far better off submitting anything important to the agency by electronic means.

But an extension on filing your taxes does not mean you have an extension on paying your taxes.

Those who do file can request an automatic extension until Oct. 15 but still must pay the IRS any money they owe by Tuesday, April 15.

IRS postpones tax deadline for several states

A handful of states, including Tennessee, Arkansas and Kentucky, will automatically have more time to file their taxes as the Internal Revenue Service accommodates victims of natural disasters.

The postponement is meant to serve people and businesses impacted by severe weather that brought brutal storms, flooding and tornadoes earlier this month, according to the IRS.

See if your state is included − and what those deadlines are − in this list of tax deadline extensions.