If you missed Monday’s tax filing deadline, you may or may not have to face some serious consequences. Area tax experts said it really depends on what type of taxpayer you are  one who owes taxes or one who is due a refund.

Tax preparers said it’s true that if you don’t owe taxes, the deadline isn’t too critical. That’s because the penalties the IRS imposes on late filers generally are based on a percentage of the taxes that the filer still owes. So, if the taxpayer is due a refund, there’s no taxes still owed and thus no penalty to be charged.

Yet, many tax preparers advise their clients to meet the deadline or file an extension. Even if you are expecting a refund, it is still a good idea to file on time because if you made a mistake in your return and actually do owe taxes, the penalties would apply.

And the penalties can be a tough pill to swallow.

Julie Edgecomb, with the Lawrence branch of Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, said the IRS has two late fees for taxpayers: a late filing penalty and a late payment penalty.

“If you file for an extension but don’t pay by the 15th, the failure to pay the penalty is a half a percent of what is owed for each month, up to a maximum of 25 percent,” Edgecomb said.

If you don’t file an extension but rather simply send in your return late, you will be subject to a late filing charge of 5 percent of the taxes owed for each month the return is late, up to a maximum of 25 percent.

It’s too late now, but for future years it’s worth remembering that filing an extension by April 15 is a relatively easy way to buy yourself some extra time with Uncle Sam.

Filing an extension is easy, tax professionals said, because taxpayers don’t have to explain why they need an extension.

Kathleen Nikodym, a tax manager and preparer with H&R Block, said taxpayers, however, shouldn’t believe that an extension will save them from all fines and penalties.

“Most people don’t understand that they still have to pay 90 percent of the tax owed (at the time of the extension) or you’ll get a fine,” Nikodym said.

That means taxpayers must estimate how much in taxes they will owe.

The first extension will extend the deadline until Aug. 15. People can request a second extension  until Oct. 15  but it must be explained.

If you missed the tax-filing deadline because of circumstances beyond your control, the IRS may waive the penalty and applicable interest. In this case, include a letter of explanation when you do file your return.