Seven Things about Getting More Time to File your Tax Return
You can get an automatic six month extension of time to file from the Internal Revenue Service if you cannot make the April 18 tax filing deadline. Following is important information that you should know about filing an extension. If you have completed your tax return but cannot pay the full amount of tax, do not file for an extension. Pay as much as you can and file your return on time. The IRS will then send you a bill or notice with the remaining balance due. You can apply online for a payment agreement at http://www.irs.gov and click on “Apply for an Online Payment (OPA)” on the left side of the homepage under Online Services. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if you are unable to make any payments to discuss options available to you. If you need extra time to file so you can get all of your paperwork to the IRS, remember that the extension does not apply to the amount owed. You will be required to pay interest on any amount not paid by the deadline, plus the possibility of having to pay penalties. To request an extension, you have to submit Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to the IRS by the April 18, 2011 deadline or make an extension-related electron card payment. For more information, see Form 4868. Both free file options are available on the IRS website to file an extension. If requesting an extension by your computer, you may choose to pay your balance due by authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal directly from your checking or savings account. You will need your bank routing and account numbers. To obtain Form 4868, simply download if off the IRS website, order it by calling 800-829-3676, or stop by your local IRS office.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A., in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
