What are tax extensions?
While we encourage timely filing, we understand life happens. Filing for a tax extension is free, can offer you more time to get things in order, and has no negative repercussions. Opting for an extension gives you 6 months of extra time to get everything in order and provides some extra peace of mind, just in case you need it.
Tax extensions are common and present a great opportunity, taken by millions every year, to ensure everything in your tax return is accurate and well-organized.
What is the deadline to file an extension?
The deadline to file for an extension is the same day as your tax filing deadline. Either March 15th or April 15th depending on your corporate structure.
Is filing a tax extension bad?
No. Tax extensions are a very commonly used tool, and contrary to common misconceptions, filing a tax extension is a sign that you value accuracy, something that the IRS views favorably.
Does filing for an extension increase the chances of an audit?
No. This is a common misconception that isn’t true. Rushing through and making a mistake is much more likely to trigger an audit. Giving yourself the extra 6 months does more to protect you than put you at risk.
An extension for filing vs. paying
Filing for an extension extends the deadline for filing, but not for paying.
If you file for an extension, for personal or C-Corp tax returns you must still continue to make quarterly estimated payments to the IRS, otherwise you will incur late payment penalties.
The late payment penalty can be avoided by paying an estimated amount. If you make quarterly estimated payments, you’re already in the clear so long as you’re up-to-date.
If you don’t make quarterly estimated tax payments throughout the year, you must pay what you expect your owed amount to be and file for an extension before the April 15th deadline. Once you file your tax return, you’ll either pay the difference or get a refund if you overpaid.
Choosing to file for an extension is a smart financial decision if you’re behind on your books and can’t submit your missing documents or complete outstanding requests from your bookkeeper on time. You’ll avoid a penalty of up to 25% of the amount owing and buy some extra time to get your tax return in order.
How to file a tax extension
Filing for an extension is simple. If you have your information ready, an online extension application takes anywhere from 5-30 minutes depending on your filing type.
Step 1: Download the tax forms that correspond to your business type
Step 2: Submit your federal tax extension request to the IRS
Step 3: Pay your taxes owed on time
See additional details for your filing type here.
If I subscribe to Bench Tax, will I have an extension filed?
If you subscribe to Bench Tax, your Tax Team will take care of filing an extension for you well before your deadline. We may proactively make this filing unless you instruct us not to do so. This is just to ensure you have a comfortable cushion. Your Tax Coordinator will reach out to you once we initiate this process. And don't worry, if we get started on your tax filing 15 business days ahead of the federal and state deadlines, we'll still strive to complete your return on time, extension or not.
Bench will file any necessary extensions required for federal and state annual income tax returns, provided that you purchased your tax services no later than 15 business days ahead of your federal and/or state tax deadline. As long as you have provided sufficient information for filing an extension, your Bench Tax Team will do so.
If we are completing a personal or Corporate tax return for you, before we file an extension, we’ll aim to notify you by email to provide you with an opportunity to make any outstanding tax payments in connection with the extension filing. Bench may be able to provide you with an estimated tax payment amount required. The accuracy of the estimate is dependent on the completeness of information we have at the time regarding your financials and you providing us with the required information to provide the estimate. If you request an estimated tax payment calculation, we require 2 business days in advance of the deadline to do so. Please note that an estimated tax payment is your responsibility and Bench will not be responsible for penalties, interest or fees related to late payments of any tax obligations owed.
What is my new tax deadline if I file an extension?
If you file a tax extension, your new tax deadline will depend on your business entity.
- Sole Prop - If you file an extension, the new deadline is October 15, 2024
- S Corporation - If you file an extension, the new deadline is September 16, 2024
- C Corporation - If you file an extension, the new deadline is October 15, 2024
- Partnership - If you file an extension, the new deadline is September 16, 2024
- Multi-Member LLCs and LLCs Taxed as Partnerships -If you file an extension the new deadline is September 15, 2024
- Single-Member LLCs and LLCs Taxed as Corporations - If you file an extension the new deadline is October 15, 2024.