A Simple Guide to Filing the 2020 Form 7004 for Businesses
There are many misconceptions about filing extensions for tax returns. For one, many people have the impression that the IRS frowns upon individuals or businesses that file an extension or that they will hold some kind of grudge against them.
This is completely untrue! The IRS doesn’t have any reason to resent or scrutinize those who file extensions. The IRS doesn’t even require any reasoning or explanation as to why you chose to file for most extensions, like the Form 7004. Filing an extension for your upcoming business income taxes could be a huge relief for you and your business.
Plus, filing a Form 7004 is a simple and straightforward process, this is all there is to it!
Getting Started: Form 7004
First things first, before you get into the specifics in Part 1 and 2 of the form, you will need to enter your basic business information. This includes your legal name, address, and identifying number.
Form 7004, Part I
Now it’s time to jump into the first section of the form, Part I.
In Part I, all you need to do is indicate the form that you wish to extend, then enter the code on Line 1.
For example, if your business wants an extension to file Form 1065, enter the corresponding code 09. If you want to file an extension for Form 1120-S, enter the corresponding code 25.
That’s all there is to it! Just remember, you can’t file one “blanket” extension. The IRS requires that you file a separate extension form for each information return that you need an extension for. For example, if you are part-owner of a partnership, and also need an extension on your personal income tax return, you must file a Form 7004 for the partnership, and Form 4868 separately for your personal income tax return.
Form 7004, Part II
Now we get down to the nitty gritty of Form 7004, Part II.
On Line 2, you should check the box only if you are a foreign corporation, otherwise you can breeze on by it.
Line 3 asks whether your organization is part of a larger parent group, if so, you will need to check the box and attach a statement listing all the members of the group. This statement must include the name, address, and EIN of each member.
If your business is treated as a partnership or corporation under 1.6081-5 you can indicate this by checking the box on Line 4. Under this regulation, foreign corporations and partnerships are entitled to additional time to file, these organizations have until the 6th month following the end of the tax year. After this point, they can file an extension 7004 for an additional 2-3 months.
On Line 5a, you will indicate that your business is operating on a calendar year, if not you will need to enter the start and end dates for your tax year.
If your tax year was shorter than 12 months, you will need to indicate why this is on Line 5b by checking the corresponding box. For example, you may have changed your method of accounting or if your business closed, you may be filing your last return.
On Line 6 you should enter the estimated amount of taxes that you expect to owe at the end of the year, including any nonrefundable tax credits.
Enter all tax payments and nonrefundable credits on Line 7.
Remember, the Form 7004 extension applies only to your information return, not your tax payment. On Line 8 enter your balance due to the IRS. To get this total, subtract Line 7 from Line 6.
That’s all there is to it, that’s the Form 7004 from start to finish.
Still have questions about Form 7004?
Check out the frequently asked questions about Form 7004 from ExpressExtension:
How do I find my estimated tax amount?
What is an Electronic Postmark?
What is name control on Form 7004?
What are the common reasons for 7004 rejection?
What is the Perfection Period for resubmitting and correcting federal tax extensions?
Filing 2020 Form 7004 Electronically
Now, when it comes to filing, filing Form 7004 electronically will save you time and you will know instantly that your extension form made it to the IRS. Plus, you will receive updates. If your Form 7004 is rejected, you can easily correct the error and retransmit at no additional cost.
To get started filing today, create your free ExpressExtension account!
Check out this video to see how the Form 7004 is filed with ExpressExtension.
