Guide Note: Each year on April 15th millions of Americans flock to the post office to file their income tax returns at the last minute. Many post offices extend their hours until midnight to offer their patrons the required date as long as the day lasts. Some even provide refreshments as taxpayers line up outside their doors.

The original filing date for taxes was March 1st in 1913, when the 16th Amendment was passed. It was changed in 1918 to March 15, and then once more in 1955 to its current date, April 15th. According to the Tax History Project the last change in deadline was made to alleviate deadline tension experienced by IRS employees because most tax returns seemed to get filed at the last minute.

In the event that April 15th falls on a weekend, the deadline is automatically moved to the next business day. The last time this occurred was 2007, and the tax deadline was moved to April 17th.

From time to time Tax Day falls on Patriot's Day, which is celebrated in both Massachusetts and Maine. When this occurs the tax filing date for Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and the District of Columbia is extended an extra day. The reason they do this is because the tax offices are located in Massachusetts. Fast Facts:

1. Date: April 15th unless it falls on a weekend
2. Began with the passing of the 16th Amendment
3. First proposal for American Income tax denied in 1812
4. A 3% income tax on all income over $600 passed 1861
5. The 3% tax was later declared unconstitutional
6. Original due date: March 1st
7. Date moved back to allow the IRS more time to hold onto refunds and to give IRS employees a break
8. Sometimes falls on Patriot's Day
9. Tax extension does not exempt you from paying any due taxes by April 15th
10. If unable to pay due taxes by April 15th, a payment plan may be available

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