Have Tax Extension Questions?
We’ve Got the Answers to Your Tax Extension Questions on Eligibility, Deadlines, Forms & More
We’ve Got the Answers to Your Tax Extension Questions on Eligibility, Deadlines, Forms & More
We’ve got you covered on all things tax extensions, from personal filings to business tax extensions for every business type.
Not at all! The IRS allows a few days for you to be officially approved for a tax extension. This means that you also generally have a few days after the deadline to fix any possible errors that might cause rejection.
You will generally hear back within 24 hours on the status of your business tax extension. Remember that as long as you submit your extension request before midnight on the IRS deadline, your application will be marked as submitted “on time.”
S-corporations, Multi Member LLCs and Partnerships are given an extended tax return filing deadline of 6 months (September 15 if they are operating based on the calendar year, versus the fiscal year). C Corporations are also given an extended tax deadline of 6 months from their original return due date (October 15 if they are operating based on the calendar year, versus the fiscal year).
Single-member LLCs only need to file for a personal tax extension (IRS Tax Form 4868), which will extend both their personal and business tax filing deadline. This is because your type of LLC (limited liability company) is considered a “pass-through entity” for income tax purposes, meaning that your business tax return is included as part of your Form 1040 personal return (on Schedule C).
Yes. FileLater’s business tax extension product includes IRS extensions for estates, trusts, and other entity types. You will file the same extension form (IRS Tax Form 7004) as other businesses, but should indicate that your tax extension is for a trust, estate, or other entity. The FileLater system allows you to select your specific type of business entity as part of the online application process.
If you keep financial books for your company, you should be able to estimate your total taxes based on your taxable income multiplied by your current tax rate. Many of our customers simply use their tax rate from last year. Don’t forget to subtract any estimated tax payments that you made during the year from your taxes due.
The deadline for filing your personal tax extension is the same as the original deadline of your personal income tax return (usually April 15th). If you are filing online, you must e-file your personal income by midnight on April 15th in your local time zone.
Not at all! The IRS allows a few days for you to be officially approved for a tax extension. This means that you also generally have a few days after the deadline to fix any possible errors that might cause rejection.
Depending on volumes, you will generally hear back within a few hours about the status of your personal tax extension. Remember that as long as you submit your extension request by midnight on the IRS deadline, your application will be marked as submitted “on time.”
If you plan on filing a joint tax return that year, you can include your spouse on your personal income tax extension. Note that you will need to provide your spouse’s Social Security Number to get a joint extension. On the other hand, if you plan on filing your taxes separately, you and your spouse should submit two separate tax extension applications.
FileLater services will help you decide whether or not you should make a tax payment when you e-file your extension. As a FileLater customer, you will have access to our simple tax calculator that helps you determine if you should make a tax payment and how much of a payment is recommended.
Yes. An approved tax extension gives you the ability to file by the extended filing deadline. However, if you choose to file your taxes by the original tax deadline after filing an extension, the IRS will simply ignore the extension of time you requested.
Our website will help guide you through the information you’ll need to file for your tax extension. In general, you will need your personal information (name, address, Social Security Number) and if you are planning to make an estimated payment to the IRS along with your extension, some data regarding your taxable income. Having last year’s tax return on-hand will be helpful during the extension request process. If you find yourself stuck during the online application, you’ll be able to save your progress and finish later.
Everyone qualifies to file for an income tax extension. The IRS doesn’t ask you to submit any explanation of why you want or need an extension. Almost all rejected extensions are the result of submitting incorrect information, such as a name and Social Security Number that do not match current IRS records.
Yes, you will be provided a FileLater confirmation number once your tax extension has been submitted. You will receive this confirmation number via email and it will be accessible online.You will also receive an IRS Submission ID number via email as soon as your extension is officially approved by the IRS.
No. The chance of a tax audit for an e-filed return is no greater than with a paper return. Taxpayers should also be aware of how to e-file their tax returns through the various free online tax preparation services available.
No. The chance of a tax audit does not increase if you file a tax extension.
Yes. The IRS generally requires different tax extension applications for both personal extensions and business extensions. However, there are exceptions for certain sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs (limited liability companies). If you report your business activities on your personal tax return, then you can file a personal income tax extension (IRS Tax Form 4868) which will extend both your personal and business tax deadlines.
You are not obligated to make a tax payment when you file for your tax extension. But keep in mind that if you have a tax balance due when you file, penalties, late fees, and/or interest charges may be assessed if you do not pay the amount owed by the original filing deadline. See the FAQs regarding tax payments and penalties for more details.
FileLater offers print-and-mail extensions for individuals in most states. Note that some states will automatically grant you a state extension if your federal extension is approved, but each state is different. State-specific filing instructions and tax forms are available where applicable.
The good news is that as long as your federal tax extension is approved, you will avoid the costly late filing penalty. However, since you are unable to pay your tax liability, you will likely be charged interest on the amount you owe (see the above question). You will be able to calculate any interest owed when you file your final tax return.
Yes, the IRS will generally work with individuals and businesses who cannot afford to pay their tax liability by negotiating payment plans or installment agreements. To discuss payment plans, you should contact the IRS directly by submitting IRS Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request) or calling 1-800-829-1040. You can also look into requesting an “Offer in Compromise” to pay down your debt (see IRS Form 656 Booklet).
FileLater allows you to securely pay any expected taxes using EFW (Electronic Funds Withdrawal) directly from your bank account as part of our e-File process. You can also mail a check directly to the IRS if you prefer. FileLater provides easy-to-understand instructions as part of the application process based on whichever payment method you choose.
Yes. The IRS offers several different mailing addresses for making a tax payment as part of your tax extension, depending on your residency and the type of tax you’re remitting. As part of the FileLater service, we allow you to pay your taxes electronically using our secure system — or if you prefer, we also provide simple instructions on paying by check (including mailing addresses).
Once you submit your tax extension, we will send your information to the IRS for approval. If you are not approved, we will notify you with the reason why the IRS rejected your extension application and we will help to resolve your issue. You’ll be able to resubmit your application as many times as necessary at no additional charge. However, we cannot administer tax returns once the application is processed.
Yes. The AGI is only needed if you are making an online tax payment to the IRS. If you did not file taxes last year (or do not have your AGI) and need to make a tax payment, we recommend simply filing your extension online with FileLater and making your IRS tax payment via check. FileLater provides instructions on how to pay by check as part of our step-by-step instructions.
Once you submit your tax extension, it is automatically routed to the IRS for approval. If your application is rejected by the IRS, you’ll have the option to fix any errors and resubmit to the IRS at no additional charge.
State regulations on tax extensions vary from state to state. Please visit our State Tax Extensions center for detailed instructions on each state.
If, on the original due date of your return, you are out of the country and you’re a US Citizen or resident, you are automatically allowed 2 extra months to file your return and pay any amount due without officially requesting a tax extension from the IRS. For a calendar year return, the extended deadline would be June 15. If you want to request an additional 4-month extension (moving your deadline to October 15), FileLater can help you e-file Form 4868. FileLater will ask if you are an “out of the country” filer as part of our online application process, and we’ll handle the necessary changes when we e-file your tax extension. According to the IRS, certain taxpayers who are out of the country can request a discretionary 2-month additional extension of time to file their return (moving the deadline to December 15). To request this extra extension, you must send the IRS a letter explaining the reasons why you need the extra 2 months. Mail your letter to the IRS by the extended deadline (October 15). Note that you will not receive any notification from the IRS unless your extension request is denied
Filing for a federal tax extension is “automatic” which means as long as your information is submitted accurately and on time, you will be approved by the IRS. Note that most rejections occur when personal information does not match IRS records. If you had a recent name change or you moved and the IRS records are different than what you submit, you may be denied and have to resubmit your information before your IRS extension can be approved.
To revoke or cancel an EFW payment, contact the IRS e-file Payment Services at 1-888-353-4537. Cancellation requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. ET two business days prior to the scheduled payment date. If there is a change to the bank account information provided on the return or form, call this number to cancel the scheduled payment. Note that once your extension is accepted, the information pertaining to your payment (such as account information, payment date, or amount) cannot be changed. If changes are needed, your only option is to cancel the payment and choose another payment method. If a payment is returned by your financial institution (e.g., due to insufficient funds, incorrect account information, closed account, etc.) the IRS will mail a Letter 4870 to the address they have on file for you, explaining why the payment could not be processed and providing alternate payment options. If your financial institution is unable to process your payment request, you will be responsible for making other payment arrangements – you will also be responsible for any penalties and interest incurred. Make sure to contact your financial institution immediately if there is an error in the amount withdrawn.
The deadline for filing your personal tax extension is the same as the original deadline of your personal income tax return (usually April 15th). If you are filing online, you must e-file your personal income by midnight on April 15th in your local time zone.
Not at all! The IRS allows a few days for you to be officially approved for a tax extension. This means that you also generally have a few days after the deadline to fix any possible errors that might cause rejection.
Depending on volumes, you will generally hear back within a few hours about the status of your personal tax extension. Remember that as long as you submit your extension request by midnight on the IRS deadline, your application will be marked as submitted “on time.”
If you plan on filing a joint tax return that year, you can include your spouse on your personal income tax extension. Note that you will need to provide your spouse’s Social Security Number to get a joint extension. On the other hand, if you plan on filing your taxes separately, you and your spouse should submit two separate tax extension applications.
FileLater services will help you decide whether or not you should make a tax payment when you e-file your extension. As a FileLater customer, you will have access to our simple tax calculator that helps you determine if you should make a tax payment and how much of a payment is recommended.
If, on the original due date of your return, you are out of the country and you’re a US Citizen or resident, you are automatically allowed 2 extra months to file your return and pay any amount due without officially requesting a tax extension from the IRS. For a calendar year return, the extended deadline would be June 15. If you want to request an additional 4-month extension (moving your deadline to October 15), FileLater can help you e-file Form 4868. FileLater will ask if you are an “out of the country” filer as part of our online application process, and we’ll handle the necessary changes when we e-file your tax extension. According to the IRS, certain taxpayers who are out of the country can request a discretionary 2-month additional extension of time to file their return (moving the deadline to December 15). To request this extra extension, you must send the IRS a letter explaining the reasons why you need the extra 2 months. Mail your letter to the IRS by the extended deadline (October 15). Note that you will not receive any notification from the IRS unless your extension request is denied
Not at all! The IRS allows a few days for you to be officially approved for a tax extension. This means that you also generally have a few days after the deadline to fix any possible errors that might cause rejection.
You will generally hear back within 24 hours on the status of your business tax extension. Remember that as long as you submit your extension request before midnight on the IRS deadline, your application will be marked as submitted “on time.”
S-corporations, Multi Member LLCs and Partnerships are given an extended tax return filing deadline of 6 months (September 15 if they are operating based on the calendar year, versus the fiscal year). C Corporations are also given an extended tax deadline of 6 months from their original return due date (October 15 if they are operating based on the calendar year, versus the fiscal year).
Single-member LLCs only need to file for a personal tax extension (IRS Tax Form 4868), which will extend both their personal and business tax filing deadline. This is because your type of LLC (limited liability company) is considered a “pass-through entity” for income tax purposes, meaning that your business tax return is included as part of your Form 1040 personal return (on Schedule C).
Yes. FileLater’s business tax extension product includes IRS extensions for estates, trusts, and other entity types. You will file the same extension form (IRS Tax Form 7004) as other businesses, but should indicate that your tax extension is for a trust, estate, or other entity. The FileLater system allows you to select your specific type of business entity as part of the online application process.
If you keep financial books for your company, you should be able to estimate your total taxes based on your taxable income multiplied by your current tax rate. Many of our customers simply use their tax rate from last year. Don’t forget to subtract any estimated tax payments that you made during the year from your taxes due.
State regulations on tax extensions vary from state to state. Please visit our State Tax Extensions center for detailed instructions on each state.
Yes. An approved tax extension gives you the ability to file by the extended filing deadline. However, if you choose to file your taxes by the original tax deadline after filing an extension, the IRS will simply ignore the extension of time you requested.
Our website will help guide you through the information you’ll need to file for your tax extension. In general, you will need your personal information (name, address, Social Security Number) and if you are planning to make an estimated payment to the IRS along with your extension, some data regarding your taxable income. Having last year’s tax return on-hand will be helpful during the extension request process. If you find yourself stuck during the online application, you’ll be able to save your progress and finish later.
Everyone qualifies to file for an income tax extension. The IRS doesn’t ask you to submit any explanation of why you want or need an extension. Almost all rejected extensions are the result of submitting incorrect information, such as a name and Social Security Number that do not match current IRS records.
Yes, you will be provided a FileLater confirmation number once your tax extension has been submitted. You will receive this confirmation number via email and it will be accessible online.You will also receive an IRS Submission ID number via email as soon as your extension is officially approved by the IRS.
No. The chance of a tax audit for an e-filed return is no greater than with a paper return. Taxpayers should also be aware of how to e-file their tax returns through the various free online tax preparation services available.
No. The chance of a tax audit does not increase if you file a tax extension.
Yes. The IRS generally requires different tax extension applications for both personal extensions and business extensions. However, there are exceptions for certain sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs (limited liability companies). If you report your business activities on your personal tax return, then you can file a personal income tax extension (IRS Tax Form 4868) which will extend both your personal and business tax deadlines.
You are not obligated to make a tax payment when you file for your tax extension. But keep in mind that if you have a tax balance due when you file, penalties, late fees, and/or interest charges may be assessed if you do not pay the amount owed by the original filing deadline. See the FAQs regarding tax payments and penalties for more details.
FileLater offers print-and-mail extensions for individuals in most states. Note that some states will automatically grant you a state extension if your federal extension is approved, but each state is different. State-specific filing instructions and tax forms are available where applicable.
The good news is that as long as your federal tax extension is approved, you will avoid the costly late filing penalty. However, since you are unable to pay your tax liability, you will likely be charged interest on the amount you owe (see the above question). You will be able to calculate any interest owed when you file your final tax return.
Yes, the IRS will generally work with individuals and businesses who cannot afford to pay their tax liability by negotiating payment plans or installment agreements. To discuss payment plans, you should contact the IRS directly by submitting IRS Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request) or calling 1-800-829-1040. You can also look into requesting an “Offer in Compromise” to pay down your debt (see IRS Form 656 Booklet).
FileLater allows you to securely pay any expected taxes using EFW (Electronic Funds Withdrawal) directly from your bank account as part of our e-File process. You can also mail a check directly to the IRS if you prefer. FileLater provides easy-to-understand instructions as part of the application process based on whichever payment method you choose.
Yes. The IRS offers several different mailing addresses for making a tax payment as part of your tax extension, depending on your residency and the type of tax you’re remitting. As part of the FileLater service, we allow you to pay your taxes electronically using our secure system — or if you prefer, we also provide simple instructions on paying by check (including mailing addresses).
Once you submit your tax extension, we will send your information to the IRS for approval. If you are not approved, we will notify you with the reason why the IRS rejected your extension application and we will help to resolve your issue. You’ll be able to resubmit your application as many times as necessary at no additional charge. However, we cannot administer tax returns once the application is processed.
Yes. The AGI is only needed if you are making an online tax payment to the IRS. If you did not file taxes last year (or do not have your AGI) and need to make a tax payment, we recommend simply filing your extension online with FileLater and making your IRS tax payment via check. FileLater provides instructions on how to pay by check as part of our step-by-step instructions.
Once you submit your tax extension, it is automatically routed to the IRS for approval. If your application is rejected by the IRS, you’ll have the option to fix any errors and resubmit to the IRS at no additional charge.
Filing for a federal tax extension is “automatic” which means as long as your information is submitted accurately and on time, you will be approved by the IRS. Note that most rejections occur when personal information does not match IRS records. If you had a recent name change or you moved and the IRS records are different than what you submit, you may be denied and have to resubmit your information before your IRS extension can be approved.
To revoke or cancel an EFW payment, contact the IRS e-file Payment Services at 1-888-353-4537. Cancellation requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. ET two business days prior to the scheduled payment date. If there is a change to the bank account information provided on the return or form, call this number to cancel the scheduled payment. Note that once your extension is accepted, the information pertaining to your payment (such as account information, payment date, or amount) cannot be changed. If changes are needed, your only option is to cancel the payment and choose another payment method. If a payment is returned by your financial institution (e.g., due to insufficient funds, incorrect account information, closed account, etc.) the IRS will mail a Letter 4870 to the address they have on file for you, explaining why the payment could not be processed and providing alternate payment options. If your financial institution is unable to process your payment request, you will be responsible for making other payment arrangements – you will also be responsible for any penalties and interest incurred. Make sure to contact your financial institution immediately if there is an error in the amount withdrawn.
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