They say nothing in life is certain except death and taxes; one of those certainties has a deadline that is fast approaching.

Ironton Finance Director Kristen Martin issued a reminder the deadline for filing city income taxes is April 17.

There are some changes for taxpayers. The city no longer mails the tax filing forms.

Martin said the forms can be picked up at the city center, emailed on request, downloaded from the city website or obtained at the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library main branch on South Fourth Street. She said those who get the forms off the web must first reduce the size to 50 percent so the forms will print correctly.

Martin said the finance department will be open longer hours to accommodate late filers.

“April 9 through the 18 the office will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Normally it’s 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,” Martin said. “We will be open one Saturday during the last few days and that Saturday will be April 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will not be open Sunday (April 15).”

Those who do not pay their taxes on time or file an extension by April 17 will be subject to a $25 fine if they rectify the situation within 30 days. The fine increases to $50 if taxes are paid 31 to 120 days late and then goes to $100 if paid after 120 days.

The city has already sent letters to residents explaining the repeal of the income tax reciprocity agreement. Even though this doesn’t affect all city residents, the letter was sent to everyone because officials do not have firm information on who is affected by the change.

Martin is asking for patience from those who attempt to call the finance office the last week before the tax deadline. She is anticipating long lines of people requiring assistance or waiting to file their taxes and with a limited staff, she said the telephone callers may have to wait as well.

To avoid the long lines, Martin said a drop box will be set up for those who want to drop off their W-2 and do not need further assistance. Filers may also mail in their W-2s but they must be postmarked by April 17. W-2s may also be faxed to the finance office at (740) 533-6104.

Martin said, although the forms must be filed by April 17, her office does have a payment plan for those who owe the city money. Those interested may call the office at (740) 533-0439.

“If the balance is less than $1, per our tax ordinance, there is no liability owed and there will be no refund issued,” Martin said.

Regardless of whether or not you owe money to the city, Martin said taxpayers are still required to file the city income tax form.

“The important thing,” she said, “is to file on time.”