Comments on: How to File a Tax Extension

By: fredct

fredct — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:55:20 +0000

Typically not, unless you have a very very good reason. One such reason is being outside of the US. After the first automatic 6-month extension, extension requests are handled on a case-by-case basis (I believe).

However, I have a difficult time imagining what could really require an extension beyond 6 months, other than some major event in your life (eg. I believe Katrina refugees were given automatic additional extensions). If you haven’t received a form or anything, you should still have the information to determine how much money you received. So you could still file, and amend later if needed. If you can’t pay, you are still required to file and then just work out a payment agreement.

This is what Publication 17 (the main publication for individual US tax returns) says about it:
“No further extension. An extension of more than 6 months will generally not be granted. However, if you are outside the United States and meet certain tests, you may be granted a longer extension. For more information, see Further extensions under When To File and Pay in Publication 54. ”
(Pub 54 is directed at people abroad)

But there’s a better way than asking on a message board and hoping I’m right. And that’s asking the IRS. They’re available 7am to 10 pm local time at 800-829-1040 (for businesses: 1-800-829-4933)
http://www.irs.gov/contact/index.html

By: Cam

Cam — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:37:35 +0000

I am still interested to know if you can file more than one extension, that question has not been answered. Thanks.

By: fredct

fredct — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:27:29 +0000

Filing an extension & delaying payment are two separate things. In fact, filing an extension doesn’t remove your requirement to pay. When you file the extension of time to file, you are still required to pay what’s you expect to be due. And if you’re wrong, you’re still penalized if you’re too short (so you should typically overestimate).

A filing extension just means that you can’t get all the paperwork together yet, so you need more time, but it doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay.

What you’re looking for is a ‘payment plan’ or an ‘installment agreement’. Here’s one page on the matter:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=108347,00.html

And don’t hesitate to call the IRS and talk to them about it. If you come to them, they’ll work with you. If they need to track you down, that’s when they get nasty. Assuming your taxes were normally due April 15th, then you’re already 6 months behind, so I’d get on the phone to them now and start working things out. If you’re more comfortable, you can also contact your local taxpayer advocate: http://www.irs.gov/advocate/

By: Vern Flanery

Vern Flanery — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:18:41 +0000

Does anyone know if I can file more then one extension? as you know us contractors were hit very hard this year and I am not able to pay yet. I owe about 10k. I havent even been able to pay my mortgage on time this year. Things are starting to turn around but I just need more time. Not only are my Irs taxes due in oct but my property tax is also due. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!

By: fredct

fredct — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:56:05 +0000

Typically, when a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the actual deadline is the next business day. I know that’s true of April 15, etc.

However, I have no personal experience with tax extension deadlines, so I’m just assuming that it likewise applies. If you’re unsure, feel free to call them.

By: el aliga

el aliga — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:41:13 +0000

even though it’s a weekend, is Aug 15, 2009 the deadline for IRS Extension Files ?? is aug 17, 2009 the actual deadline??

Oddly, I could not get an IRS memo, but 2 tax sites say Aug 17, 09 is..

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:40:25 +0000

Aglia, You will not have to pay a fee to file a late extension, unless you are paying for a software program or paying an accountant. Otherwise the only additional payments are any possible penalties.

By: Aglia

Aglia — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:40:38 +0000

Will I have to pay Late Filing Fee if I file an extension? I know I will be responsible for late payment penalty and interest, but I can’t find the answer regarding late filing fee. Please let me know, thanks.

By: marla

marla — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:51:52 +0000

I just tried filing for an extension with the free file fillable forms that is connected to the irs site. I simply would not let me submit the form. I don’t know if it’s because I don’t owe anything – I will probably get a refund but haven’t worked it out yet.
I don’t think you will be charged any late filing penalties for filing late when you don’t owe. The IRS is not going to waste time on that, it’s an advantage for them! I have red on other sites that if you don’t owe taxes, you still need to file an extension, but really….don’t sweat it if its a little late.

By: Fred

Fred — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:26:02 +0000

You have to file an extension, yes, you just don’t have to pay anything in the process of doing so.

If you don’t file an extension, you will owe late filing penalties, regardless of whether you owed or not.