Taxpayers who aren’t able to file by the April 18, 2023, deadline can request an extension before that deadline, but they should know that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes. If they owe taxes, they should pay them before the due date to avoid potential penalties and interest on the amount owed.
Taxpayers who request a six-month extension to file their taxes have until October 16, 2023, to file their 2022 federal income tax return.
How to request a free extension to file for a return with no tax due
Individual taxpayers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File at IRS.gov/FreeFile to request an automatic six-month tax-filing extension. Alternatively, taxpayers can file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File.
How to request an extension when making a payment for a return with taxes due
Taxpayers can choose to submit an electronic payment and select Form 4868 or extension as the payment type. The IRS will count it as an extension automatically, and taxpayers won’t need to file Form 4868.
Victims in FEMA disaster areas may have an automatic extension
The IRS may offer an automatic extension to areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. To check whether an area is included, see IRS.gov/disasters. Taxpayers in the affected areas do not need to file any extension paperwork, and they do not need to call the IRS to qualify for the extended time.
Tag: EXTENSION
For people who requested an IRS extension to file, the October 17, 2022, deadline may seem far away, but it’s coming up fast. Taxpayers who haven’t filed, whether they requested an extension or not, should file a complete and accurate return as soon as possible. For people who have all their paperwork in hand, filing sooner and filing electronically could help them avoid possible processing delays later.
Here are some resources and information to help taxpayers avoid getting caught up in a last-minute filing rush.
Resources for people preparing their tax return
• IRS.gov The IRS webpage has tools and resources to help taxpayers and answer FAQs.
• Online Account Access individual account information to get info from the most recently filed tax return, including adjusted gross income, Economic Impact Payments and advance child tax credit payments.
• Interactive Tax Assistant Taxpayers can enter their info to get answers for their specific tax situation. This tool can determine if an individual must file a tax return, their filing status, if they can claim a dependent, if an income type is taxable, and their eligibility to claim a credit or deduct certain expenses.
• Tax professionals Tax pros can also help taxpayers prepare their tax returns. Authorized IRS e-file providers are qualified to prepare, transmit and process e-filed returns. Taxpayers should choose a tax preparer wisely. The IRS online directory can help people find a local tax pro.
Taxpayers can file electronically for the fastest turnaround.
E-filing is fast, accurate and secure. When taxpayers choose direct deposit, their refund goes directly into their bank account. The IRS processes most e-filed returns and issues direct deposit refunds in less than 21 days.
• IRS Free File Eligible individuals can use the IRS Free File program to prepare and file their 2021 federal tax return for free. Taxpayers can choose the brand-name tax preparation software company that is best for them. Some companies even offer free state tax return preparation. Those who earned more than $73,000 have the option to use IRS Free File Fillable Forms.
• MilTax online software MilTax online software is also available for members of the military and certain veterans, regardless of income. This software is offered through the Department of Defense.
• Commercial software The software uses a question-and-answer format that makes doing taxes easier. The return is signed electronically and transmitted through IRS-approved electronic channels.
An extension to file a tax return is not an extension to pay taxes.
Taxpayers who owe taxes can review all payment options online. The IRS has options for people who can’t pay their taxes, including applying for a payment plan on IRS.gov. Here are some other things to know:
• Generally, there’s no penalty for not filing a return if due a refund, but there’s also no statute of limitations for assessing and collecting taxes due if no return has been filed.
• Interest is charged on any tax not paid by the April due date and will accrue until paid in full. Penalties will accrue for each month tax remains unpaid until maxed out at 25% of the unpaid tax.
• Submitting a tax return and paying the amount owed as soon as possible can help taxpayers avoid further interest and penalties.
For most individual taxpayers the tax filing and payment deadline was postponed to May 17. Those who need more time to file beyond the postponed date, can request an extension to file.
Taxpayers must request an extension to file by May 17, or they may face a failure to file penalty. This extension gives them until October 15 to file their tax return. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. Taxes must be paid by May 17 to avoid penalties and interest on the amount owed after that date.
How to request an extension to file
To get an extension to file, the IRS urges taxpayers to do one of the following:
• File Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or by using Free File on IRS.gov.
• Submit an electronic payment with Direct Pay, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or by debit, credit card or digital wallet and select Form 4868 or extension as the payment type.
An automatic extension of time to file will process when taxpayers pay all or part of their taxes electronically by the Monday, May 17 due date.
Some taxpayers may have extra time to file their tax returns and pay any taxes due. This includes some disaster victims, taxpayers living overseas, including members of the military, and eligible support personnel serving in combat zones.
More information:
IRS extends additional tax deadlines to May 17 What Is the Due Date of My Federal Tax Return or Am I Eligible to Request an Extension?
Tax Topic 653, IRS Notices and Bills, Penalties, and Interest Charges