BANGOR – Today is the last day this year to file taxes on time, and local accountants and post office workers are bracing for the last-minute bustle.

“I wish I had a cot here,” Robin Case said Thursday from her office at Liberty Tax Service on Stillwater Avenue. “It’s going to be a long night, and actually today is probably going to be worse than tomorrow.”

Case is owner of the branch of the nationwide tax preparation company, which hires people dressed as the Statue of Liberty to stand in front of their offices and wave to traffic. Today they will be waving goodbye, but will reappear next January, Case said.

Those who have not filed taxes yet and believe they owe the Internal Revenue Service a portion of their income must file for an extension by today in order to avoid paying a fee.

People who have not filed taxes yet and believe the IRS owes them a refund can file late without penalty, Case said.

In order to receive the federal economic stimulus refund, residents must file tax returns.

“This year more than ever people need to try to get current with filing their tax returns so they can be eligible for that payment,” Case said. The stimulus refund will provide a minimum of $300 per person for those who qualify. The maximum for all taxpayers will be $600 per person, plus $300 for each child under 17 who qualifies for the tax credit.

Workers at the U.S. post office on Harlow Street described Monday as “mobbed,” but there are no plans to keep the post office open late today. The hours remain 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on tax day.

As more and more people file taxes electronically, Staples is urging customers to keep a hard copy of their tax returns. The copy and print centers at Staples stores nationwide will provide free copies, up to 20 sheets, of 2007 tax returns today. Staples has stores at 1131 Union St. and 180 Bangor Mall Blvd. in Bangor, 830 Main St. in Presque Isle and 235 Camden St. in Rockland.