INTERVIEW – RYAN ELLIS – Forbes columnist, tax policy expert and also is an “Enrolled Agent,” which means the IRS has designated him as one of the top tax experts practicing today. He owns a tax preparation service in the Washington, DC area

• TOPIC: Tax Tips for last minute tax filing and what to do to prepare for tax day throughout the year for next year
• Don’t panic: You have until Tuesday, April 18, to file your taxes. Have you been panicking about getting your taxes done by April 15? You know, the day they’re usually due? Well, you just caught a break with a three-day extension, and here’s why: On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill, the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which ended slavery in the nation’s capital and freed 3,100 slaves. It was nine months before Lincoln signed the broader Emancipation Proclamation, in January 1863. Because the holiday falls on the weekend this year, it will be observed by D.C. employers on April 17 and many city offices will be closed. Therefore, the final deadline for filing your 2016 taxes will be Tuesday, April 18. So that’s your little grace period. Don’t procrastinate though, just get to work and get it done.
• Calling all procrastinators: The deadline for filing and paying your taxes is fast approaching.