A lot of tax experts recommended waiting to file this year because of so much tax reform in play, but it is now officially last minute. Alex Sutherland, with Raleigh financial planner Lifeplan Group, said there are two ways people can get in trouble. "The first is if you don't file or if you're late to file," Sutherland said. "So, even if you're not ready to file your taxes by April 17, at least file an extension, and that gives you all the way to Oct. 15 to complete your tax return.