Heading into Extension Territory!

​What does filing an “extension” do?  

• An extension is a form filed with the IRS to request additional time to file your federal tax return. The extension period is six months, which extends the due date for submitting your final returns from April 15 to Oct. 15.* In some states, filing an extension with the IRS will automatically extend the time to complete a state income tax return.
• Filing an extension grants you additional time to submit your complete and accurate return, but you still need to estimate whether you will owe any taxes and pay that estimated balance by April 15.*
• Extending your return allows us more time to prepare your tax return to ensure filing of an accurate tax return. In many cases, you may still be waiting for additional information (e.g., Schedule K-1, corrected 1099s, etc.) to complete your return.

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Why does my Accountant suggest we extend my tax return?

• If your Accountant has recommended that you file an extension, it may be due to many reasons, such as:
  
  • The volume of data or complexity of certain transactions (e.g., sale of a rental property) on your return requires additional time.
    
  • The amount of time remaining in filing season is limited for the Accountant to complete client returns by April 15* due to late arriving information.
• Many Accountants have a “cutoff” or deadline for clients submitting their tax information so they can plan their workload to ensure all client returns and extensions are completed by April 15.*
• Your Accountant may suggest filing an extension if there are aspects of your return affected by pending guidance due to tax reform.

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​Am I more likely to be audited if I extend?

• Extending will NOT increase your likelihood of being audited by the IRS.
• It is better to file an extension rather than to file a return that is incomplete or that you have not had time to review carefully before signing.

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​Should I do anything differently if I am filing an extension or “going on extension”?

• No, you still should give your Accountant whatever information you have as early as possible or as soon as it becomes available.
• Expect to pay any anticipated taxes owed by April 15.* You still need to submit all available tax information to your Accountant promptly so they can determine if you will have a balance due or if you can expect a refund.
• If you are required to make quarterly estimated tax payments, your first quarter estimated tax payment is due April 15.* Your Accountant may recommend that you pay the balance due for last year and your first quarter estimated tax payment for this year with your extension.
• f you are anticipating a large refund, your Accountant will likely try to get your extended return completed as soon as possible once all tax information is available. Your Accountant may also want to discuss tax planning opportunities with you so that in future years, you don’t give the IRS an interest-free loan!

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​Is there anything I can do to avoid filing an extension if I know 
I am missing some information now?

 If you know you will be waiting until the last minute for one or two documents, you may be able to minimize the chance of having to file an extension by providing all other available documents to us as soon as you receive them. By doing so, we can prepare a draft return for you to review and discuss in advance. And we may be able to add the missing piece of data or last-minute information and complete your returns by April 15.*

​The federal filing deadline for 2018 returns will be April 15, 2019.

pdf version from AICPA

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If we haven't received your information we will likely need to file an extension, please contact us as we can't just file without your written consent and other information.

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