Whatever your excuse is for filing taxes at the last minute – you thrive under pressure, you're lazy, you don't want to pay the IRS, the dog ate your tax form – they're due today.

But this year's economic stimulus payments should give you incentive to meet the deadline. The payments of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples are based on your 2007 income tax return.

And keep this in mind: If you use direct deposit to get your tax refund, you'll get your stimulus payment faster.

"Direct deposit isn't only the fastest way to get your refund, it's the fastest way to get the stimulus payment," IRS spokesman Clay Sanford said. "It's more bang for your buck."

Millions of people who normally don't file, such as retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers, need to file a return to get their stimulus payments, the IRS says.

IRS officials expect a record number of tax returns because of the stimulus payments. As of April 4, 96.8 million income tax returns had been sent to the IRS, a 9.3 percent increase compared with the same time last year.

The stimulus payment is a hot topic among filers at H&R Block offices, said Kristy Thieman, an H&R Block Dallas-area district manager. Not surprisingly, April 14 and 15 are busy days for H&R Block.

"You'd be surprised that a lot of them are receiving a refund, but they still wait," she said. "Why? I don't know. That's a great question."

For last-minute tax assistance, call 1-800-829-1040. For information about stimulus payments, call 1-866-234-2942.

File electronically: E-file to ensure that your tax return is accurate and complete. You get electronic verification that it was received and are spared a last-minute post-office run.

Check IDs: Check the numbers for each person listed. Missing, incorrect or illegible Social Security numbers can delay or reduce a tax refund.

Use the right tax table figure: Double-check your math and that you used the right figure from the tax table.

Sign, date and attach any schedules: You must sign and date the returns. Both spouses must sign a joint return, even if only one had income. Anyone paid to prepare a return must also sign it.

To pay by check: Make the check out to "United States Treasury" and enclose it with, but not attached to, the tax return or Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, if used. The check should include the taxpayer's Social Security number, daytime phone number, the tax year and the type of form filed.

Avoid late penalties: File a return or request an extension by midnight tonight. But remember, the extension to file is not an extension of time to pay. To avoid a late-payment penalty, you have to pay 90 percent or more of tax due by tonight. Interest will be owed on any unpaid balance after tonight.

If you can't pay: Go to www.irs.gov and visit "1040 Central" to learn about your options, which could include monthly payments or paying with a credit card.

Refund vs. rebate: Economic stimulus payments, referred to as "rebates," are not the same as tax refunds and will be paid separately if you qualify.

Go over your math: Use a calculator to check your figures, or file electronically so the IRS does the math for you.

Check your withholding: Think you're paying too much or got an extra-big refund? You may want to adjust your federal tax withholding with your employer. The IRS Web site has a withholding calculator that can help.

SOURCE: Clay Sanford, IRS North Texas region

$2.7 trillion

Gross amount collected by the IRS

$295 billion

Amount issued back to taxpayers in refunds

139 million

Individual returns filed in the U.S.

79 million

Individual returns filed electronically in the U.S.

10 million

Individual returns filed in Texas

5.5 million

Individual returns filed electronically in Texas

$2,324

The average tax refund nationally

SOURCE: IRS