General Income Tax Extension Questions
What does it mean that FileLater is an "Authorized IRS e-file Provider"?
How can I check the status of my tax extension?
Can I file an extension and then decide later to submit my taxes on time?
What information do I need to file for a tax extension using FileLater?
Does FileLater extend my state income tax deadline, in addition to my federal tax extension?
How do I know if I qualify for filing a tax extension?
Will I get a confirmation number with my extension?
Do I have a greater chance of getting audited by the IRS if I use IRS e-file?
Do I have a greater chance of getting audited by the IRS if I file a tax extension?
Do I have to file a separate tax extension for business and personal needs?
Should I make a tax payment when I file my income tax extension?
How do I file a state extension?
I had to make a payment for federal taxes. What do I need to do for state?
What are the interest penalties for unpaid taxes beyond my tax extension deadline?
I just filed for a federal extension but cannot pay any of my tax liability – what happens now?
Does the IRS offer payment plans for unpaid taxes due?
How do I pay any expected taxes when I file my income tax extension?
If I choose to pay by check, do you provide instructions on where to mail the check?
Can I get a refund from FileLater if my tax extension is not accepted?
Who do I contact for support or help?
What if I am unable to login to my account?
How do I know the validity of your site and not risk identity theft?
Can I change my information once I submit my tax extension?
My tax extension was rejected by the IRS. What should I do now?
What could cause my tax extension to get rejected by the IRS?
Am I able to revoke or cancel an online payment made to the IRS?
What does it mean that File Later is an "Authorized IRS e-file Provider"?
An Authorized IRS eFile Provider is a tax professional or firm accepted into the IRS electronic filing program. As an authorized e-file provider, FileLater works closely with the IRS to ensure that our application is working properly and securely.
How can I check the status of my tax extension?
If you used FileLater to file for a tax extension, you should receive an email regarding the status of your extension within minutes of eFiling. Be sure to check your junk folder if it doesn’t arrive to your inbox. If you do not have the email, you can always login to your account and click on the My Tax Extensions link to find out the status of your extension.
Can I file an extension and then decide later to submit my taxes on time?
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.
What information do I need to file for a tax extension using FileLater?
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.
Does FileLater extend my state income tax deadline, in addition to my federal tax extension?
Many states will automatically grant a state tax extension when your Federal tax extension is approved. If your state requires any additional information, FileLater provides state instructions and forms so that your state filing deadline can also be extended. Learn more by visiting our State Tax Extensions page.
How do I know if I qualify for filing a tax extension?
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.
Will I get a confirmation number with my extension?
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.
Do I have a greater chance of getting audited by the IRS if I use IRS e-file?
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.
Do I have a greater chance of getting audited by the IRS if I file a tax extension?
No. The chance of a tax audit does not increase if you file a tax extension.
Do I have to file a separate tax extension for business and personal needs?
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.
Should I make a tax payment when I file my income tax extension?
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.
How do I file a state extension?
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.
I had to make a payment for federal taxes. What do I need to do for state?
The requirements for Federal and state tax payments are different, and state tax extension guidelines vary by state. Please visit our State Tax Extensions page to get more information on whether you should file a state income tax extension and make a payment.
What is the late payment penalty if I do not pay any outstanding tax balance when I file my tax extension?
The late payment penalty is usually 0.5% (per month) of the unpaid tax, up to a maximum of 25%. For example, if you have $2,000 of unpaid taxes, the IRS will likely charge you $10 per month as a late payment penalty. Read more about penalties and interest.
What are the interest penalties for unpaid taxes beyond my tax extension deadline?
The IRS generally charges interest on any unpaid Federal taxes. The interest rate (determined on a quarterly basis) is the current Federal short-term rate plus 3%. If you do not pay your taxes by the original deadline (April 15), the interest on your balance will compound daily as long as the balance is outstanding. Read more about penalties and interest.
I just filed for a federal extension but cannot pay any of my tax liability – what happens now?
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.
Does the IRS offer payment plans for unpaid taxes due?
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).
How do I pay any expected taxes when I file my income tax extension?
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.
If I choose to pay by check, do you provide instructions on where to mail the check?
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).
Can I get a refund from FileLater if my tax extension is not accepted?
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.
If I did not file my taxes last year and do not have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), can I still use your service?
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.
Who do I contact for support or help?
Contact us by sending us a message using our convenient online contact form. If you encounter any questions as you fill out the online tax extension application, you can click on the "Live Support" icon at the top right corner of any page on the website to talk directly to one of our customer support specialists. You can also send us an email at [email protected]. Note that this e-mail address is protected from spambots, and you need JavaScript enabled to view it. All emails are answered within 24 hours. All FileLater support is free of charge.
What if I am unable to login to my account?
If you are having trouble accessing your information, try our "Reset Password" tool to change your password. If that does not work, please click on the "Live Support" icon at the top right corner of any page on the website to talk directly to one of our customer support specialists, or send us an email at [email protected]. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots and you need JavaScript enabled to view it. All methods of support are free of charge.
How do I know the validity of your site and not risk identity theft?
FileLater is an Authorized IRS e-file Provider, which means we have been officially approved to electronically submit data directly to the IRS. In order to achieve this status, FileLater has to continually pass security and privacy tests for the IRS. At FileLater.com, we take data privacy and security very seriously.
Can I change my information once I submit my tax extension?
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.
My tax extension was rejected by the IRS. What should I do now?
If your tax extension is rejected by the IRS, you can fix any errors and resubmit at no additional charge. Please see our articles on the Tax Extension Resources page for more information about filing rules and deadlines for both personal and business tax extensions.
What could cause my tax extension to get rejected by the IRS?
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.
Am I able to revoke or cancel an online payment made to the IRS?
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.