Get the refund quick — but if you’re going to pay, wait as long as you can.

Nothing spells out the mindset of America’s millions as tax day approaches quite like a look at who’s filed and who hasn’t.

Almost one-third of Kansans are waiting until the last minute to file income tax returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service, while the vast majority of those who qualified for refunds finished by April 1.

“That’s not a big surprise,” IRS spokesman Bill Barksdale said. “Obviously, if you’ve got a refund coming, you’re going to file quickly.”

Barksdale said Thursday that about 761,000 Kansans had already filed their tax returns, either on paper or electronically, leaving about 361,000 yet to finish. He expects about 81,000 people will request an extension.

Meanwhile, 73 percent of all refund returns were filed before the start of this month.

And refund amounts were slightly up again this year.

Nationally, the average federal refund is $1,997, up 2 percent from last year. The average state tax refund is $325, up nearly 12 percent from last year.

The other difference this year was an increase in electronic filing, federal and state officials said.

Barksdale said about 2 billion people had visited www.irs.gov since January, and 8.7 million have accessed a “where’s your refund” feature, which allows people to estimate when they will receive their check.

Cheryl Howard, Lawrence, left, receives tax assistance from Jane Unruh, a tax associate with H&R Block, 2104 W. 25th St. The deadline for tax filing is Tuesday.

Here is some advice from tax experts for those cooped up inside this weekend with a calculator:

• Don’t forget the earned income tax credit, Barksdale said. People who have an income of less than $35,000 should ask if they qualify for this tax break that can mean up to $1,000 back.

A few resources when you have tax questions:¢ Federal Web site — www.irs.gov.¢ State Web site — www.webtax.org.¢ IRS helpline — (800) 829-1040.¢ Area tax assistance centers — Topeka center, 120 S.E. Sixth St., 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Kansas City center, 5800 E. Bannister Road, open 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

“That makes a big difference,” he said.

• “File electronically,” said Steve Stotts, director of taxation for the Kansas Department of Revenue. “Just make sure you’ve got all your additions correct and you sign your returns.” Stotts said those who file electronically and direct deposit can expect a refund within a week, while others might wait six weeks. In addition, electronic filing greatly reduces the possibility of error.
• If filing for an extension, be sure to make an estimated payment with that extension, said Kathleen Nikodym, office manager of H&R Block in Lawrence. Otherwise, expect a penalty.

“They think an extension is an extension to pay, too,” she said. “It’s not. It’s just an extension to file.”

• And finally, don’t wait until Monday to get started. “Do something this weekend so you can ask some questions,” Barksdale said. “Don’t wait, because what will happen is you’ll make mistakes.”