SAN DIEGO - With the April 17 deadline fast approaching for people to file their federal and state income tax forms and payments, local Internal Revenue Services officials released a list of tips, reminders and helpful hints.

IRS spokesman Raphael Tulino said the filing deadline, which typically falls on April 15, had been pushed off until Tuesday, April 17, this year because April 15 is a Sunday, and Monday, April 16 is Emancipation Day - a legal holiday in the District of Columbia, to commemorate the day Abraham Lincoln signed a bill ending slavery.

Tulino offered these tips:

• File electronically. Officials said electronic filing is safe, accurate and less time consuming. As of March 30, the IRS reported, 70 percent of the 81 million tax returns already received were filed electronically.

• Use direct deposit. Taxpayers expecting refunds get that cash back in days - rather than four to six weeks - when they choose to have refunds electronically deposited in accounts rather than waiting for a paper check to be sent.

• Check out IRS Free-file at irs.gov: Officials said millions of people whose adjusted gross income is less than $52,000 are eligible to link into the free federal tax preparation and filing program.

• Use the "Where's my refund?" link on irs.gov to check the status of refunds. Taxpayers will need to know the exact amount of their refund, filing status and Social Security Number.

• Get free help: Seniors, non-English speaking taxpayers, and those who earn less than $39,000 a year can get free filing help through the IRS Volunteer Income Assistance Program. Tulino said North County residents can find the nearest assistance programs by calling 1-800-829-1040, or the San Diego 211 information line at 858-300-1211, or by going to ftb.ca.gov and clicking on "VITA/TCE filing assistance."

• Don't forget the Long Distance Telephone Excise Tax Refund: Taxpayers who paid long distance excise taxes on land lines, cell phones, Voice over Internet Protocol or bundled services - and were billed between Feb. 28, 2003 and Aug 1, 2006 may be eligible for this one-time refund.

• Get it right the first time: Taxpayers are urged to check their returns for errors before they submit them, to check for common mistakes like addition errors, transposed Social Security numbers and forgetting to sign returns.

• Pay by April 17: Taxpayers who owe money should make sure to pay by April 17 to avoid penalties and interest. And file your return, even if you cannot pay in full. The IRS offers payment options, such as installment plans and paying by credit card.

• File an extension if necessary: Taxpayers who need extra time should file for extensions, which are automatic and give people an additional six months to file their returns. However, taxpayers should remember the extensions only give them more time to file returns, not to pay tax owed. April 17 is the deadline for payments.

For more information, and to get answers to other tax questions, go to www.irs.gov, or call 1-800-829-1040.

- Contact staff writer Gig Conaughton at (760) 739-6696 or gconaughton@nctimes.com.