To Extend or Not to Extend, That Is the Question?

Have you looked at your calendar yet today? Have you noticed that April 15 has already come and gone? Of course, it’s pretty hard to miss tax day, but some people actually do. So should you file an extension now if you didn’t make it on time? Some people believe filing an extension is a good way to get the IRS’s attention and thus increase the likelihood of an audit. Others think the exact opposite is true. So what should you do if you’re late: extend or not? It depends.

In some cases, it might just be best to file your taxes now and pay a small late penalty. That can put the problem to rest and as long as you don’t get selected for an audit, then the case is closed. However, in other cases, filing an extension is a better option.

For example, if you are already being audited, then file an extension. This will prevent the IRS from including the current return in the audit. In addition, the audit could affect your current return; so waiting to see how it plays out could be wiser. Another good reason file for an extension is if you don’t have everything you need to file an accurate return. It’s better to get the return completely right and get it in late than to send it in promptly with incorrect information.

Turning in an incorrect return could lead to having to file and amended return and those are more likely to be audited. No matter what you choose to do, you should also be aware that filing for an extension does not mean you have more time to pay off your tax bill if you are going to end up owing money. You are still required to pay the amount you think you will owe, on time. If you overpay, then you will get a refund when you do finally file your return. But keep in mind that you might still pay a late penalty if you file for an extension after the deadline and you owe taxes.

 

Posted in
How Three Important Life Decisions Will Affect Your Retirement

How Three Important Life Decisions Will Affect Your Retirement

How Three Important Life Decisions Will Affect Your Retirement How close are you to retirement? Is it just around the corner or is it still years away? Regardless of how you answer that question, planning for retirement is something that everyone should do. And waiting till you’re 55-years-old isn’t a good idea. It’s best to…

President’s Tax Plan Changes Back at Square One

  Taxes, taxes, taxes! It was arguably the number one issue during the recent presidential election and President Trump made it very clear that he planned to make some major changes to our country’s tax code. With the republican-led House and Senate in place, it seemed like it would just be a matter of time…

Tax Policy Center Claims Trump Child Care Plan Favors the Rich

  Although most of President Trump’s policies have greatly divided the country, one policy that everyone can agree upon is lowering the cost of childcare. However, what they don’t agree on is how to make that happen. So far, his proposals have been well received by the right and not so much by the left.…

Making the Most of Corporate Tax Reform

  Although nothing major has happened yet, rest assured that corporate tax reform is on the way. The Trump administration has made big promises and at some point they are coming. So far, the president has proposed reducing the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 15 percent, while republican leaders in Congress have proposed…