Have You Filed Your Taxes? E-Filing Soars in NJ [POLL/AUDIO]

Tax Day is here. If you have not filed yet, you have until midnight. More New Jersey residents have chosen to file electronically this year than ever before.

Of the 4.1 million returns expected to be filed in New Jersey, 3.1 million already have e-filed out of an estimated 3.5 million who are expected to do so.

For those who have waited until the last minute, the Internal Revenue Service is urging you to file electronically.

"Electronically, you can get the assurance that we have received your return," said IRS spokesman Mark Green. "At the same time, you'll know from us that the return not only has been received, but accepted. You can also expect to receive your refund in as little as 21 days. More people are choosing the electronic route because it's fast, it's safe, it's accurate and more individuals can use it for free."

Technology has made electronic filing much easier.

"People can use their smartphones to actually take a picture of the W-2 and file the return," Green said. "It's a matter of minutes before you can have your returns prepared and your money directly deposited into your checking or savings account."

In order to avoid a penalty, it's important to file something by the midnight deadline.

"Whether it's a tax return or a request for an extension, file something by midnight in order to avoid a penalty which can be up to 25 percent," Green said. "Take just two minutes out of your schedule to file something. It'll save you in the long run."

Despite the fact that more people are choosing to take the electronic tax filing route, there are still plenty of people who file a paper return. As a result, some post offices will stay open later to accommodate.

For additional information, visit www.irs.gov.