The deadline to file 2021 tax returns is creeping closer, and many taxpayers may not be ready to meet Monday’s deadline. For those that need more time, the Internal Revenue Service does allow extensions to be filed by Monday with Form 4868 using its Free File tool. According to the federal agency, Free File will guide taxpayers through each section of their tax return with a question-and-answer format to file their federal return for free. Form 4868 can also be mailed to the IRS if it is postmarked by Monday. Tax extensions, according to the IRS, will give taxpayers until Oct. 17 to file their 2021 tax returns. IRS by this year’s April 18 deadline. But taxpayers need to keep a few things in mind when filing for an extension. While filers will have more time to file their returns, this does not mean they can delay paying the government the taxes they owe, a misconception often believed by many Americans. Owed tax payments are still due on Monday, meaning that taxpayers are required to estimate their tax liability at this time. Those that underpay will be charged a penalty and interest, and those that overpay will receive their overpayment after they file their 2021 return. Payment plans are available from the IRS for those that are unable to pay the full tax amount they owe. Taxpayers that file an extension and miss the Oct. However, those that file an extension and submit their 2021 tax returns before the Oct. 17 deadline will receive their refunds sooner if one is owed. The IRS said on April 1 that it had already processed more than 89 million tax returns and issued $204 billion in refunds to 63 million taxpayers. The average refund size was $3,226, up from $2,893 from last year’s tax season.

The Ford Escape has a well-earned history of being one of the best-selling SUVs in the US. The 2012 Escape is likely to continue this success thanks to its attractive design, lively performance and available high-tech features, including Sync (Ford’s voice-activated audio interface) and Auto Park (a convenient automated parking system). In addition, the Ford Escape is the only compact crossover that is also available as a hybrid and drives around city streets at an impressive 34 mpg. While the 2012 Ford Escape certainly has much to offer, it’s always wise to consider other top choices before making a final buying decision. Worthy contenders in the small SUV segment would also include the Chevy Equinox, the Honda CR-V, the Nissan Rogue and the Toyota RAV4. The regular version of the 2012 Escape is a 5-passenger compact crossover available in three trims: XLS, XLT and Limited. The Ford Escape Hybrid is available in base and Limited trims.

Standard features on the XLS include power door locks, power mirrors, power windows, air-conditioning, cruise control, MyKey parental controls, an integrated blind-spot mirror, 16-inch alloy wheels, a full array of safety features (see below), an anti-theft engine immobilizer, front and rear power outlets, halogen headlights, a chrome grill, a tire pressure monitor, keyless entry, a remote liftgate release, a tilt steering wheel, a rear window washer, a flipup liftgate window, roadside assistance for 5-Years/60,000 miles and a 4-speaker audio system with a CD player, MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. Optional on the XLS is the Sync electronics interface, which includes an iPod interface and Bluetooth, as well as steering-wheel audio controls. Moving up to the XLT adds a 6-way power driver seat, automatic headlights, satellite radio, steering-wheel audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and foglights. The available Leather package for the XLT adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and ambient lighting, while the Sun & Sync package adds a sunroof and the Sync system.

Also optionable for the XLT is an upgraded 7-speaker audio system, while the Sport Appearance package can chip in with 17-inch wheels and a number of upgraded interior and exterior trim accents. The top-of-the-line Limited then adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, Sync, a unique set of 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim accents and a 6-speaker stereo system. Adding the Limited Luxury package adds a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear parking sensors. The available Moon and Tune package includes a sunroof along with the upgraded 7-speaker audio system. In addition, stand-alone options for the Limited include navigation, a rear entertainment system and Auto Park (a parallel-parking assist system). Standard features on the base Escape Hybrid are much like the regular Escape XLT, but also include the Sync system and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Escape Hybrid Limited then adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated mirrors, a sunroof, a rearview camera, rear parking assist, multicolor ambient lighting and chrome exterior trim accents.

Options for the Hybrid include navigation and an upgraded stereo system, while Auto Park is available for the Hybrid Limited. Regular Ford Escape models are available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive forms. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 171 horsepower, while a 3.0-liter V6, good for 240 horsepower, is optional on both the XLT and Limited. The XLS comes with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic, while other 2.5 models and all V6 come only with the 6-speed automatic. When properly equipped, the V6 Escape has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Gas mileage for the four-cylinder, six-speed auto with front-wheel drive is an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. The numbers with all-wheel drive reduce fuel economy slightly to 20 city and 26 highway. Gas mileage for the front-wheel-drive six-cylinder Escape comes in at 19 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the AWD is rated at 18 and 23, respectively.