File an Individual Extension for Tax Year 2011

Note: You can e-file a Personal Federal Tax Extension with TurboTax Easy Extension. Click here to e-file Form 4868, Application of Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

 

You can extend the date to file your tax return to October 15, 2012 by filing Form 4868, Application of Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. When you file Form 4868, extensions for filing income tax returns are automatic. You do not need to provide an explanation to the IRS.

If you do not file your extension electronically through TurboTax Easy Extension, here are some things to keep in mind:

• If you use TurboTax desktop, you must print and mail Form 4868 to the IRS by the tax filing due date on April 17, 2012.
• It's a good idea to update your TurboTax software before you print and mail an extension to make sure that you have the most recent TurboTax program updates and tax forms installed on your computer.

If you have a balance due on your tax return, your tax payment is due April 17, 2012. The IRS allows up to six months after the April 17, 2012 deadline to file an income tax return. However, there are no extensions granted for tax payments. If you do not make a tax payment by the due date, the IRS charges interest and can assess penalties for all late tax payments.

Click a link below to learn how to file a federal or state extension for your income tax return:

If you need more time to file your return, you must complete and mail Form 4868, which extends the filing deadline for 2011 tax returns to October 15, 2012 for Forms 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ. However, you must still pay any tax you owe by April 17, 2012.

• TurboTax Online
• TurboTax Desktop

About Preparing an Individual Extension Form in TurboTax Online:

• TurboTax Online redirects customers to TurboTax Easy Extension to e-file an extension application.
• Get started with TurboTax Easy Extension here

How to Prepare an Individual Extension Form in TurboTax Desktop:

1. Open your tax return in the TurboTax program.
2. Click the Federal Taxes tab, then select the Other Tax Situations link directly below the tab.
3. Under the topic Other Tax Forms, choose the Start button next to File an Extension. 
4. Follow the on-screen instructions until you get to the Your Extension Results screen.
5. Under Federal, click the Print Extension button.

Other ways to file an extension:

• E-file an extension, track its receipt by the IRS and pay any income tax due by April 17, 2012 using TurboTax Easy Extension.
• Go to the IRS web site www.irs.gov to download and print Form 4868. Complete the form, sign it, and then mail it to the address shown on the form instructions before the tax filing deadline.

No matter which method you choose, you'll have six (6) months to complete your income tax return before the final deadline of October 15, 2012.

Note: If you are a U.S. citizen living and working outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, you may qualify for an automatic two month out-of-country extension without filing Form 4868. TurboTax can help you complete an out of country statement, which will print with your tax return. If eligible, you must complete and file your return by June 15, 2012.

 

When you file a federal extension form, it does not automatically extend the time that you have to file your state income tax return. Note: Each state differs in its filing requirements for extensions.

• TurboTax Easy Extension
• TurboTax Online
• TurboTax Desktop
• Read more here: 2011 State Filing Extensions for Individual Tax Returns

Printing an Individual State extension form in TurboTax Easy Extension

1. After you e-file your Federal extension, click on File State Extension Now under Next Steps on your confirmation page.
2. Select your state.
3. Read the instructions to fill out the form, print it and mail it in.

Printing an Individual State extension form in TurboTax Online

1. Select the State Taxes tab, then select Continue.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions in the TurboTax Interview.
3. In the Extension of Time to File screen, select Yes.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Printing an Individual State extension form in TurboTax Desktop

1. Select the State Taxes tab.
2. From the View menu, select Forms.
3. Click the Add or View Form button in the upper left area of your screen.
4. Select your state's extension form and then click Add Form.
5. After the form opens, click the Print button.
6. After the form prints, select the Close Form button. You'll need to fill out this form and mail it in before the tax filing deadline.

You'll have until October 15, 2012 to complete and file your federal income tax return. You can still use your TurboTax desktop product or TurboTax Online to finish your income tax return during this extension period.

If you requested a filing extension via the Internet, you'll receive an electronic acknowledgment of the extension from the IRS. If you filed an extension for your state income tax return, please refer to the instructions for filing extensions for your state.

When you file Form 4868, you have until October 15, 2012 to complete your Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ tax return. Your extension is automatic as long as it is filed in a timely manner, and includes a payment of the amount of tax that you owe. In most cases, if you do not send a tax payment with your extension request, you will not be assessed a late filing penalty. However, you will have to pay interest on the amount of tax that you owe.

Once you have completed your tax return, you can either print and mail or e-file your return on or before October 15, 2012. If you e-file your tax return and it gets rejected, you have a five (5) day grace period to correct and then re-submit the rejected e-filed federal return.

Most states use the same filing deadlines for extensions as the IRS. However, you should check your state's requirements for filing extensions to make sure. Some states require that you file your return by 4/17/2012.

You filed an extension, you settled your tax bill, and you’re finally ready to finish filing your taxes.

If you did not owe any taxes when you filed your extension, simply prepare and file your taxes as you normally would to get your refund.

If you made a payment with your extension, include this value in your tax return so that TurboTax doesn’t ask you to pay again. Here's how:

• TurboTax Online
• TurboTax Desktop

TurboTax Online

1. Log into your return, click on the Tools button in the upper right corner, and choose Topics & Forms.
2. In the pop-up box that appears, enter "Taxes Paid” and click the GO button.
3. Next, TurboTax asks about your estimated tax payments; give the answer that's appropriate for your situation.
4. Continue through to the Other Tax Payments screen. There, check the box Filed an extension with a payment this year and click Continue.
5. On the Indicate Which Apply screen, check the box I made a payment with a federal extension for 2011… and click Continue.
6. On the Payments Made With Extensions screen, check the appropriate boxes, then click Continue and enter in the amount(s) you paid (see your Form 4868).

TurboTax Desktop

1. Open your return in TurboTax. In the search box (labeled with a magnifying glass icon) at the upper right, enter "Taxes Paid" and click Find.
2. Next, TurboTax asks about your estimated tax payments; give the answer that's appropriate for your situation.
3. Continue through to the Other Tax Payments screen. There, check the box Filed an extension with a payment this year and click Continue.
4. On the Indicate Which Apply screen, check the box I made a payment with a federal extension for 2011… and click Continue.
5. On the Payments Made With Extensions screen, check the appropriate boxes, then click Continue and enter in the amount(s) you paid (see your Form 4868).