Q. The extension I filed on my federal income tax return is about to run out. Can I file for another extension?

A. You can try but you probably won't get more time unless you've been in a presidentially declared disaster, a victim of terrorism or involved in combat.

Some taxpayers are finishing up returns this week, having asked for extensions when federal taxes were due April 17. These taxpayers were granted a six-month extension if they filed the proper request by the April 17 deadline. (Because April 15 fell on a Saturday this year, the deadline was moved to April 17.)

The six-month extension was a change from prior tax years when people could file for a four-month extension and then request another two months. People who file for extensions get more time, but aren't given an extension on payment. At the time of filing the request (Form 4868), you are asked to pay any taxes that you estimate are due.

About 9.6 million people filed for extensions this year, according to the IRS. Of these, it's estimated about 71,400 lived in Hawai'i. That's about 12 percent of those filing individual federal income tax returns here.

Ginger Sandell, a Kona-based certified public accountant, recommended you go to the Internal Revenue Service's Web site at www.IRS.gov and look up Topic 301, "When, Where and How to File."

She said people may be able to file one year after the due date if they've been in a declared disaster or weren't able to meet the regular deadline because of terroristic or military action.

Generally the IRS will not grant extensions beyond Oct. 16. However, the taxpayer may be able to get some relief from paying penalties associated with late filings and payments, Sandell said. This could include people who've had serious illness, those who've had a fire that burned tax records or other hardships. However, all of the IRS decisions are based on the facts and circumstances of each case, she said.

Do you have a question about personal finance, taxes or other money matters? Reach Akamai Money columnist Greg Wiles at 525-8088 or gwiles@honoluluadvertiser.com