Photo by a nameless yeast

Good morning, Washington. It’s April 15, and if you haven’t filed your federal and local tax returns yet, you’re either furiously struggling with TaxACT or you’re giving up the ghost and filling out those extension forms. Either way, don’t let some poor fool steer you wrong about the due date in the District of Columbia. While in years past, when April 15 fell on a weekend, tomorrow’s Emancipation Day holiday provided us with a couple extra days to meet the federal tax deadline, no such luck this year. April 15 on a Wednesday means April 15 is the day. The Washington Business Journal says some 80 percent of you took care of your taxes long ago, but for the other 20 percent of you: avoid those penalties and get ’em done today.

Cautionary Tax Tales: Both the Post and the Examiner managed to dredge up stories of some big time area tax scofflaws that aren’t Marion Barry! The top offender in the D.C. metro area? Northwest D.C. resident William M. Sloan, who apparently owes $1.17 million (the D.C. government already has a lien against Sloane’s house). Meanwhile the Post profiles D.C. police Detective Michael C. Irving, one of a growing number of tax “defiers” (including actor Wesley Snipes!) who argue they shouldn’t have to pay any income taxes. And oh, wait, of course, the Examiner actually does offer a special April 15-themed preview of Marion Barry’s court hearing, set for tomorrow. Think Barry already filed his 2008 returns?

Howard Law Dean Will Mediate DCPS Contract: Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee and the Washington Teachers Union have agreed to allow Kurt Schmoke, dean of Howard University School of Law and a former three-term mayor of Baltimore, to mediate contract talks between DCPS and the WTU, the Post reports. Schmoke’s got his work cut out for him: there’s already been 17 months of stalled talks he’ll have to catch up on, and by all accounts, the two sides are still far, far apart on any sort of agreement.

Briefly Noted: Right-thinking District resident removes Dallas Cowboys flag from someone’s car, gets punched … Fewer vehicles are being registered in the District, hurrah! … Still no winner has come forward with the Powerball ticket sold at the Giant on Alabama Ave. SE … Missing Howard Univ. student found safe … Driver flees after smashing stolen car into house.

This Day in DCist: In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Washington, wearing some very stylish red shoes, and in 2005, the Nationals had an auspicious start at RFK stadium.