In most years, the tax deadline is April 15. Owing to uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS extended the tax deadline to May 17, giving consumers extra time to get their finances in order. However, while the IRS has extended the deadline, it has not decreased taxpayers’ obligations – and the extra time is up.

Fortunately, if you need more time to file, the IRS has made the process of filing for an extension fairly easy.

In order to get a refund as quickly as possible, the IRS has previously recommended that as many people as possible arrange to get it through direct deposit. However, if this is unacceptable, they have continued to mail checks – but with the understanding that, owing to backlogs, the payments will probably take several weeks longer to arrive.

The location that payments are sent to will vary by state. Fortunately, the IRS website contains clear information on how to pay one’s taxes – including a list of addresses for where to send them by state. Locations will also vary by type of form; most tax forms are 1040s, but others – 1099 forms for contractors, for instance – are sometimes handled differently.

Once your refund has been requested, the IRS also offers a tool – appropriately titled “Where’s My Refund?” – where consumers can use to track the status of their check or deposit.

If you are unable to make the payment by May 17, in addition to accepting requested extensions, the IRS will sometimes also take into consideration the fact that hardship has prevented some people from taking the time to complete their taxes. For instance, active-duty soldiers in “qualified hazardous duty areas” are automatically given extensions. Another common reason is bad weather, with tax payments significantly delayed after natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

To file for a free extension, the IRS website offers a “Form 4868” on its main site which can be filled out and submitted either by mail or by fax. It doesn’t have to arrive on May 17, however, as long as it is postmarked before that date – but if you are afraid it will fall behind, get some evidence to this effect, just in case.

Finally, a warning: while the payment of taxes might be delayed if necessary, the total amount will not change on account of the pandemic. Failing to pay, or paying late, could incur a number of different penalties – so pay as quickly as you can.

Trevor Filseth is a news reporter and writer for the National Interest.