It's a procrastinator's dream come true.

Thanks to a local holiday in Washington, D.C., taxpayers across the country will have two extra days to file their federal, state and local income tax returns this year.

The usual filing date of April 15 falls on a Sunday, meaning taxpayers normally would have until the next day to meet the filing deadline.

But Emancipation Day falls on Monday, meaning taxpayers get an extra day to file if they so choose.

“We will honor that day, too,” city tax commissioner John Queen said. “So city taxes are due on April 17.”

A federal statute provides that holidays celebrated in the nation's capital have a nationwide impact.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, even though tax instructions refer to the April 16 date, April 17 is the correct filing deadline.

The holiday doesn't just affect federal and city taxpayers, however. Ohio and Kentucky residents also have until April 17 to pay their state taxes.

Those who receive a six-month extension also will benefit from the holiday. Their tax returns will not be due until Oct. 17 instead of Oct. 15.

But Kentucky officials are encouraging taxpayers to avoid the last-minute filing rush by filing early and use electronic filing. Such filers can have any refunds deposited directly into their bank accounts.

“Filing your taxes electronically saves the commonwealth money and reduces processing time, allowing taxpayers to get faster refunds,” Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary John Farris said. “Not only are these paperless transactions less costly and more efficient, they also reduce the number of paper forms printed each year, which is more environmentally friendly.”

Taxpayers need to enjoy the extra day this year because it won't happen again until 2011.

April 15 will be on a Tuesday next year, so normal deadlines will apply.

For more information on any tax matters, log onto the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov.