Reasons for Filing Income Tax Returns Late
Filing taxes after the deadline typically means that you will incur some pretty harsh penalties by the IRS. However,
there are a few situations in which the IRS does grant more time to file a tax return.
Out of Country: Individuals who live and work out of the country automatically receive a two month extension without filing a Form 4868. However, a return must be filed by October 15 at the latest. This also applies to US military personnel working overseas.
Combat Zone: In general, the deadlines for performing certain actions applicable to taxes are extended for the period of service in a combat zone, plus 180 days after the last day in the combat zone. This extension applies to the filing and paying of income taxes that would have been due April 15.
Reasonable Cause: The IRS does also waive penalties for those individuals and businesses that had Reasonable Cause to not file or pay on time. This is a more subjective reason to be reserved for the most extreme circumstances, and to be determined by the IRS.
Extend Your Deadline: An individual, business, or nonprofit organization may elect to file for an extension of up to 6 months. This is not an extension of time to pay, this is an extension of time to file the return itself.
An incredibly Simple way to file these Taxes online is through ExpressExtension.com. This allows anyone to E-File the following Tax Extension Forms:
- IRS Form 7004: Business Tax Extension of 5-6 months
- IRS Form 4868: Personal Tax Extension of 6 months
- IRS Form 8868: Non-Profit / Exempt Extension of 3 months and additional 3 months
All that is needed to file this form is a basic knowledge of the business as well as its official tax status. Most of this information can be found on a previous year’s tax return as long as that information has not changed. Important data such as the official business type and also the specific IRS tax return type needs to be entered in this Form. If you are unsure of this information, please check a previous return or a tax professional.
Obviously the best way to avoid penalties and interest is to simply file on time! However, sometimes this is easier said than done. There are many different services available for use by individuals and businesses to extend filing deadlines. www.ExpressExtension.com is a simple online tool that can help you avoid late penalties by filing for an extension. Ironically, one of the easiest ways to incur a penalty is also very easy to avoid.








