Deadline day is upon us.

Today marks the final day for people to file their 2014 income tax returns without penalty unless they have been granted an extension.According to Internal Revenue Service figures released April 3, however, two out of three taxpayers file long before the final week.By that date, it had already received just over 99 million returns and issued more than 77 million refunds averaging over $2,800.Several local residents follow this trend."I get my taxes done early, whether I have to pay in or get a refund," said Geralyn Scarpati of Jim Thorpe. "I like to know it's over and done with."Ginger Outlaw of Lehighton wrote on Facebook that she usually gets a refund, prompting her to file earlier than most."I like to get my money back they owe me," she said.The average tax refund in 2014 was $3,120, according to the IRS.People spent an average of $260 to complete and file a 1040 in 2014, down 3.3 percent from 2006.Nonetheless, area tax preparation offices weren't waiting around for business on Tuesday."We've definitely been busy," said Khristine Walters, office coordinator at the Lehighton branch of H&R Block. "It's crunch time."As of Monday, Lehighton resident Terri Allen said she "hadn't even opened the envelope containing her W-2."Sheri Ryan of Lansford planned on possibly pulling an all-nighter to finish her taxes."Normally I am on it as I really like having any refund I am due as soon as possible," she said. "But, I haven't been able to do it despite my best intentions. Something always comes up."Ryan said her taxes are a bit more complicated due to having to file a Schedule C form, which is for reporting profits or loss from a business.Fred Bresswein of Lehighton is a certified public accountant who said he doesn't view the last few days before the deadline in any special way."To me, from Jan. 1 to April 15 is one long day," he said."Right now, one of the main things we deal with is extensions. People do run out of time, and I think it's a short filing system. In some ways, I think it's unfair to ask people to have to get everything done by April 15."People who haven't finished filling out their return can get an automatic six-month extension.One way to get the extra time is through the free file link on IRS.gov. Filing form 4868 gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file a return.Filing an extension doesn't mean you can avoid paying taxes on time. Payments are still due by April 15.If you owe money, there are several ways to pay, including online at IRS.gov/directpay and EFTPS.gov, by credit or debit card, or by making out a check to the "United States Treasury."Write "2014 Form 1040," name, address, daytime phone number and Social Security number on the front of the check or money order.To help ensure that the payment is credited promptly, also enclose a Form 1040-V payment voucher.The old theory that those expecting a big refund will file earlier is somewhat true, Bresswein said."It really depends on how difficult their return is going to be," he said."If it's an easy one, they tend to get it done earlier. If it's someone who runs their own business and it might be more complicated, they might take a little longer to get everything together. Of course, if you're going to owe money, you're probably going to wait."