How do you file an extension for taxes

If the return includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review that may slow the tax refund. Having all information available when preparing the tax return can reduce errors and avoid delays in processing. Most individual taxpayers file IRS Form or Form SR once they receive Forms W-2 and other earnings information from their employers, issuers like state agencies and payers.

The IRS has incorporated recent changes to the tax laws into the forms and instructions and shared the updates with its partners who develop the software used by individuals and tax professionals to prepare and file their returns. IRS Free File will open January 14 when participating providers will accept completed returns and hold them until they can be filed electronically with the IRS.

Many commercial tax preparation software companies and tax professionals will also be accepting and preparing tax returns before January 24 to submit the returns when the IRS systems open. The IRS strongly encourages people to file their tax returns electronically to minimize errors and for faster refunds — as well having all the information they need to file an accurate return to avoid delays.

More information will be available on Free File later this week. The letter contains important information that can help ensure the return is accurate. Eligible taxpayers who received advance Child Tax Credit payments should file a tax return to receive the second half of the credit.

Eligible taxpayers who did not receive advance Child Tax Credit payments can claim the full credit by filing a tax return. While most eligible people already received their stimulus payments, this letter will help individuals determine if they are eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for missing stimulus payments. If so, they must file a tax return to claim their remaining stimulus amount. Both letters include important information that can help people file an accurate tax return.

If the return includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review while the IRS corrects the error, which may slow the tax refund. Using this information when preparing a tax return electronically can reduce errors and avoid delays in processing.

The fastest way for eligible individuals to get their tax refund that will include their allowable Child Tax Credit and Recovery Rebate Credit is by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit.

Check IRS. There is no need to call. You may request up to an additional 6 months to file your U. There are three ways to request an automatic extension of time to file your return. You must request the extension of time to file by the regular due date of your return to avoid the penalty for filing late. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.

You may file your extension in any one of three ways listed below:. If you file the Form electronically, be sure to have a copy of your prior year's return; you'll be asked to provide your prior year's adjusted gross income AGI amount for verification purposes. To make sure you file those on time, find out the tax filing due dates in your state. If you owe money and do not file and pay your taxes on time, you will be charged interest and a late payment penalty.

If you will be getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing a late return. The IRS will begin accepting and processing federal tax returns on January 24, To get your tax return started, you'll first need to find out how much money you made in Then you'll need to decide whether to take the standard deduction or itemize your return.

Finally, you'll need to submit everything by April 19, , if you live in Maine or Massachusetts or April 18, , for the rest of the country. Other earning and interest statements and INT forms. Receipts for charitable donations and medical and business expenses if you are itemizing your return.

Choose your filing status. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. The federal income tax filing deadline is April 18, If you need more time, you can get an automatic income tax extension by filing IRS Form This gets you until Oct. You can get a tax extension electronically or via mail. You should request an extension on or before the April 18 deadline to avoid a late-filing penalty from the IRS. See if your tax software supports Form for tax extensions.

Most do.