Tax season can be hectic, and sometimes life doesn’t go according to schedule. If you’re not quite ready to file your tax return by the April deadline, the IRS allows you to request an extension. While a tax extension can offer some breathing room, it’s important to understand what it does—and what it doesn’t—do.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to file for a tax extension and what it really means for your tax obligations.

What Is a Tax Extension?

A tax extension gives you an additional six months to file your federal income tax return. For most taxpayers, that means the deadline moves from April 15 to October 15. However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. If you owe taxes, the IRS still expects payment by the original April deadline.

Why File an Extension?

There are several valid reasons why individuals or businesses may need more time to file:

• You’re waiting on important tax documents or corrected forms
• You need additional time to organize complex finances
• You’ve experienced a personal hardship or emergency
• You want to ensure accuracy and avoid errors that could lead to an audit

Whatever the reason, filing for an extension is better than rushing and making mistakes—or worse, missing the deadline entirely.

How to File for a Tax Extension

Filing for an extension is relatively simple, and you have a few options:

1. File IRS Form 4868

Form 4868 is the official request for an automatic extension for individual taxpayers. You can file it electronically through tax software, your tax professional, or by mailing a paper copy to the IRS.

To complete the form, you’ll need to:

• Estimate your total tax liability for the year
• Report how much you’ve already paid
• Indicate the balance due (if any)

Even if you can’t pay in full, submitting this form by the deadline avoids the late-filing penalty.

2. Make a Payment with Extension Request

If you make a payment to the IRS using Direct Pay or through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), and designate it as an extension payment, the IRS will automatically treat it as a request for extension—no separate form required.

3. Businesses File Form 7004

If you’re filing a business return and need an extension, use Form 7004. This applies to partnerships, corporations, and other business entities.

What Happens After You File an Extension?

Once your extension is accepted, you’ll have until October 15 to submit your complete return. During this time, you can gather any missing documents, consult with your CPA, and make sure everything is filed correctly.

However, interest and penalties will still accrue on any unpaid taxes after the original deadline. That’s why it’s always recommended to pay as much as you can by April 15—even if you’re filing for an extension.

What If You Don’t File or Pay?

Failing to file your return or request an extension by the deadline can lead to:

• A failure-to-file penalty (typically 5% per month on unpaid taxes)
• A failure-to-pay penalty (0.5% per month)
• Accruing interest on the unpaid balance

These penalties can add up quickly, so it’s better to file for an extension and pay something rather than miss the deadline entirely.

Need Help Filing an Extension?

If you’re unsure how much you owe, need help submitting the proper forms, or simply want peace of mind that everything is handled correctly, working with a CPA can make the process smoother. We help individuals and businesses navigate tax deadlines, extensions, and everything in between.
Contact our office today to discuss your situation. Whether you need to file now or need more time, we’re here to guide you through every step.

As the tax deadline approaches, many individuals and businesses find themselves scrambling to file on time. While filing under pressure can be stressful, rushing through your return often leads to costly mistakes. Whether you’re filing at the last minute or trying to catch up, it’s important to slow down just enough to avoid common errors that could trigger delays, audits, or penalties.

Here are some of the most frequent tax filing mistakes—and how to avoid them.

1. Incorrect or Missing Personal Information

One of the simplest yet most common mistakes is entering incorrect Social Security numbers, misspelling names, or forgetting to include a spouse or dependent’s information. Double-check all personal details before submitting your return. Even small typos can cause major issues.

2. Choosing the Wrong Filing Status

Your filing status affects your tax bracket, deductions, and credits. Selecting the wrong status—such as “Single” instead of “Head of Household”—can result in overpaying or underpaying taxes. If you’re unsure which status applies to you, a CPA can help determine the most beneficial option.

3. Math Errors

Manual calculations or incorrect input in tax software can lead to math errors. These mistakes are often flagged by the IRS, resulting in delayed refunds or notices. If you’re filing on your own, use reliable tax software with built-in error checks, or have a CPA review your return before submitting.

4. Forgetting to Report All Income

It’s essential to report all sources of income, including wages, freelance work, investment earnings, and side gigs. The IRS receives copies of your W-2s, 1099s, and other income documents—so if you leave something out, it won’t go unnoticed.

5. Overlooking Deductions and Credits

When you’re rushing, it’s easy to miss valuable deductions and credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, or deductions for student loan interest and charitable contributions. Take time to review what you’re eligible for, or work with a tax professional to ensure nothing is left on the table.

6. Missing Signatures

A missing signature is an automatic rejection for paper-filed returns. If you’re filing jointly, both spouses must sign. If you’re e-filing, make sure to follow all authentication steps to finalize your submission.

7. Using the Wrong Bank Information for Direct Deposit

Mistyping your routing or account number can delay your refund or even send it to the wrong account. Double-check this information before submitting your return. If you’ve changed bank accounts recently, make sure your current details are on file.

8. Failing to File State Taxes

While rushing to meet federal deadlines, many filers forget about their state obligations. Each state has its own filing requirements, deadlines, and forms. Make sure you understand and meet both state and federal filing responsibilities.

9. Not Filing at All

Some taxpayers mistakenly believe they don’t need to file if they can’t pay. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Filing late is always better than not filing at all, and the IRS offers payment plans to help with owed balances.

10. Ignoring IRS Notices

If you make a mistake and receive a notice from the IRS, don’t ignore it. Responding promptly can help you avoid additional penalties and complications. A CPA can assist in interpreting notices and communicating with the IRS on your behalf.

Filing in a Rush? Let a CPA Help

Filing taxes quickly doesn’t have to mean filing carelessly. At our firm, we help clients file accurately and on time—even under pressure. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or worried about mistakes, we’re here to make the process smooth, stress-free, and compliant.

Contact us today to file with confidence and avoid unnecessary headaches.

Missing the tax filing deadline can be stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. Whether you forgot, ran out of time, or encountered unexpected challenges, there are steps you can take to minimize penalties and get back on track. Here’s what you need to know if you didn’t file your tax return by the deadline.

1. Don’t Wait Any Longer

The worst thing you can do after missing the deadline is continue to delay. The longer you wait to file, the more penalties and interest you may owe. Even if you can’t pay your full tax bill right now, filing as soon as possible helps limit the damage.

2. File Your Return Immediately

If you’re owed a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late—but you must file within three years to claim it. If you owe taxes, the IRS will begin charging penalties and interest after the due date. Filing your return now, even if it’s late, shows the IRS that you’re taking steps to resolve the issue.

3. Understand the Penalties

There are two main penalties for missing the tax deadline:

• Failure-to-File Penalty: This is typically 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.
• Failure-to-Pay Penalty: This is 0.5% of your unpaid taxes for each month you fail to pay, also up to 25%.

If both apply in the same month, the failure-to-file penalty is reduced by the failure-to-pay penalty amount.

4. Pay What You Can

Even if you can’t pay the full amount you owe, pay as much as possible when you file. This will reduce the amount of interest and penalties that accumulate over time. The IRS offers various payment plans, including short-term and long-term options, to help taxpayers settle their balances.

5. File for an Extension (If You Qualify)

Unfortunately, you can’t retroactively file for an extension after the deadline has passed. However, if there were exceptional circumstances—such as a natural disaster or serious illness—you may qualify for penalty relief. A CPA can help you determine if you’re eligible and assist with the proper documentation.

6. Watch Out for Scams

If you’ve missed the deadline, you may be feeling pressure to resolve your tax situation quickly. Be cautious of fraudulent “tax relief” companies that promise to settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar. Always work with a reputable CPA or tax professional who can guide you through the process safely and accurately.

7. Plan Ahead for Next Year

Missing a deadline can be a wake-up call. Start organizing your tax documents early, track your income and expenses throughout the year, and consult with a CPA well before tax season arrives. Proactive planning can help you avoid the same stress next year.

Need Help Catching Up?

If you’ve missed the tax deadline, our team is here to help you file late returns, minimize penalties, and create a plan to move forward. We understand that life happens—and we’re here to provide judgment-free, professional guidance every step of the way.

Contact us today to get started and regain control of your tax situation.

The tax filing deadline is quickly approaching, and if you’ve been putting off the inevitable, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of individuals and business owners find themselves scrambling to file their taxes just days—or even hours—before the deadline. The good news? It’s not too late to get organized and file on time. Here are some last-minute tax filing tips from our team of CPAs to help you meet the deadline and avoid unnecessary penalties.

1. Gather All Necessary Documents

Start by collecting all your income documents, including W-2s, 1099s, investment statements, and any records of other earnings. You’ll also want to gather receipts for deductible expenses, mortgage interest statements, and proof of charitable contributions. Having everything in one place reduces errors and saves time.

2. Double-Check Personal Information

A common and easily avoidable mistake is submitting incorrect personal information. Ensure that your name, Social Security number, and banking details are accurate. If you’re claiming dependents, make sure their information is correct and hasn’t already been used on someone else’s return.

3. File Electronically for Speed and Accuracy

E-filing is the fastest and most accurate way to file your taxes, especially when you’re in a rush. Most reputable tax software includes built-in error checks that help catch mistakes before you submit. Plus, you’ll receive a quicker confirmation from the IRS, and if you’re owed a refund, it’ll be processed faster with direct deposit.

4. Consider Filing for an Extension

If you know you won’t make the deadline, consider filing for an automatic extension using IRS Form 4868. This gives you an additional six months to submit your return, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t give you more time to pay any taxes owed. You must still estimate and pay your tax liability by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest.

5. Don’t Guess Your Numbers

In a rush, it can be tempting to estimate income or deductions. Avoid this. Guessing can trigger audits, delays, or fines. If you’re missing documentation, do your best to retrieve it or consult a CPA who can help you navigate missing forms and suggest appropriate next steps.

6. Review Before Submitting

Even if you’re on a tight timeline, take a few minutes to review your return for any missed deductions or errors. Typos, incorrect calculations, and overlooked credits can cost you money or cause delays in processing. A second set of eyes, especially from a CPA, can make a big difference.

7. Don’t Forget State Taxes

While focusing on federal taxes, many filers forget that their state may have its own deadline and filing requirements. Make sure you check your state’s tax website or speak with a tax professional to ensure you’re compliant on all fronts.

Let a CPA Help You Cross the Finish Line

When time is limited, having a certified public accountant on your side can make all the difference. We can help you file quickly, accurately, and efficiently—giving you peace of mind and minimizing your stress.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed as the deadline looms, reach out to our team today. Whether you’re filing for yourself or for your business, we’re here to help make tax season less taxing.