We’ve all been there. Life is super busy. We have to take care of our families and friends, work obligations, and all our other everyday responsibilities. With all of the hustle and bustle, you realize that the October 15th tax extension deadline has passed and unfortunately, you still haven’t filed. What should you do now?
Here is a breakdown of what happens when the tax extension deadline passes and the next steps you should take.
Will I Be Penalized for Filing After the Deadline?
Yes, if you missed the October 15th filing deadline, you can be penalized. The IRS allowed you an additional six-month extension of time to file your taxes (from April 15th to October 15). That was not an extension to pay taxes, only an extension to complete your return. In addition to any interest and penalties that you may owe as a result of failing to file (and pay) your tax on time, you will now be subject to a late filing fee on any unpaid taxes. The penalty, which includes interest, is generally 5% per month of any unpaid balance for up to 5 months. This penalty can increase to up to 25% of the remaining balance owed. To make matters worse, the interest continues to accrue until any liability is finally paid.
If you file your taxes more than 60 days late, you may receive an additional penalty of $435. That is the minimum late filing penalty which is the lesser of what you owe in taxes or the $435. So, it’s important to go ahead and file even if you can’t pay the outstanding balance in full and work with the IRS to create a payment arrangement. More about that a little later. Even if you are missing some information you need to file, you can file now and amend later when the information becomes available.
What Happens if the IRS Owes Me a Refund?
For taxpayers who believe they are owed a refund from the Internal Revenue Service, you have three years from the original due date of the return in order to file and claim your refund. However, if you wait too long you will forfeit any refund you might be entitled.
If you are filing your tax return after the October 15th deadline, and do not owe any tax when there are no late filing penalties or interest.
What Happens If I Don’t File My Return?
If you don’t file your tax return with the IRS, they will likely create a substitute return on your behalf based on income data such as W-2s, 1099s, and other documentation provided to them by your employer and other financial institutions.
It’s important to understand that this substitute return will not include any calculations for credits and deductions that you may be qualified for. Consequently, it is likely that the substitute return will result in a higher balance owed and penalties than if you prepared your own return.
What Happens If I Can’t Pay the Tax Balance Owed?
If you can’t pay your tax obligations with the IRS, it is important to go ahead and get the tax return filed and then work with the Internal Revenue Service in order to set up a payment plan.
The IRS’ Fresh Start Program allows taxpayers with balances of less than $25,000 to set up a monthly installment plan, allowing you to make payments on your balance over a number of years.
For those experiencing more financial difficulty, there is an “Offer In Compromise” option that allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the amount owed.
The interest and penalties for filing your tax return after the final tax deadline can be severe. It is important to get your return filed, even if you need to make arrangements in paying the balance owed to the IRS.
If you have any questions about steps you should take if the October 15th tax extension deadline has passed you by, or for more information about our services, please feel free to contact us for more information.
Isler Northwest LLC is a firm of certified public accountants and business advisors based in Portland, Oregon. Our local, regional, and global resources, our expertise, and our emphasis on innovative solutions and continuity create value for our clients. Our service goals at Isler Northwest is to earn our clients trust as their primary business and financial advisors.
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