File an Extension

See the informational video below or go to the written tips.

You can extend the date to file your tax return to October 15, 2009 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.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you file an extension:

• You must print and mail Form 4868 to request an extension because you cannot e-file Form 4868 using the TurboTax software.
• You must mail Form 4868 to the IRS by the tax filing due date on April 15, 2009.
• 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 in your tax return, your tax payment is due April 15, 2009. The IRS allows up to six months after the April 15, 2009 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.

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

• How do I file an extension for my federal tax return?
• How do I file an extension for my state tax return?
• What if I have trouble printing Form 4868 in the TurboTax program?
• Can I file a Form 4868 over the internet?
• What do I do after I file the Form 4868 extension?
• I filed an extension and now I'm doing my taxes. What do I do?

You'll need to complete and mail Form 4868 that extends the filing deadline to October 15, 2009 for Forms 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.

Important: You must print and mail Form 4868. You cannot e-file the extension within the TurboTax program.

 

To file an extension from within TurboTax:

1. Open your tax return in the TurboTax program.
2. In the Basic, Deluxe or Premier versions, select the Federal Taxes tab. In the Home & Business product, choose the Personal tab. Then select Other Tax Situations at the top of the screen.
3. On the Other Tax Situations screen, choose the Start button for File an Extension.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions for filing an extension in the TurboTax Interview.
5. When you get to the Print Your Extension screen, click the Print Extension button to print the form.
6. Complete and mail the extension form before the tax filing deadline.

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Guidelines for filing extensions for state income tax returns vary from state-to-state. When you file a federal extension form, it does not automatically extend the time that you have to file your state income tax return.

Make sure that you check your state's requirements for filing extensions in the State Tax Information article.

Printing an 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 File an Extension for <your state>? screen, select Yes.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Printing an extension form in TurboTax Desktop (Windows and Mac)

1. Select the State Taxes tab.
2. In the View menu, select Forms.
3. Click the Add or View Form button.
4. In the Add A Form To Your Tax Return dialog box, select your state's extension form (e.g. "Form 3519 - Automatic Extension for Individuals" for California), then select Add Form.
5. When the extension form opens, select Print in the File menu.
6. After the form prints, select the Close Form button.

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If you're having trouble printing Form 4868 in the TurboTax program, go to the IRS web site at http://www.irs.gov to download and print the form. Complete the form, sign it, and then mail it to the address shown on the form instructions before the tax filing deadline on April 15, 2009. You'll have six months to complete your income tax return using the TurboTax program before you must file your tax return by October 15, 2009.

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Yes. You can file a Form 4868 extension and pay your income tax due over the Internet by April 15, using the TurboTax Easy Extension web service.

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You'll have six (6) months from the tax filing deadline in April 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 on 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, 2009 to complete your Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ tax return. Your extension is automatic as long as it is timely filed 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, 2009. If you e-file your tax return and it gets rejected, you have a five 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 to check your state's requirements for filing extensions to make sure.

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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, there's nothing more you need to include in your tax return. You can simply prepare and file your taxes as you normally would to get your refund.

If you did make a payment with your extension, include this value in your tax return so that TurboTax doesn’t ask you to pay again.

Here's where to enter the information in TurboTax Online and 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 2008… 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 2008… 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).