Tax Tip 2023-30: Taxpayers should know that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent this bulletin at 03/08/2023 10:00 AM EST

IRS Tax Tips

March 8, 2023

Issue Number: Tax Tip 2023-30

Taxpayers should know that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes

Taxpayers who aren’t able to file by the April 18, 2023, deadline can request an extension before that deadline, but they should know that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes. If they owe taxes, they should pay them before the due date to avoid potential penalties and interest on the amount owed.

Taxpayers who request a six-month extension to file their taxes have until October 16, 2023, to file their 2022 federal income tax return.

How to request a free extension to file for a return with no tax due
Individual taxpayers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File at IRS.gov/FreeFile to request an automatic six-month tax-filing extension. Alternatively, taxpayers can file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File.

How to request an extension when making a payment for a return with taxes due
Taxpayers can choose to submit an electronic payment and select Form 4868 or extension as the payment type. The IRS will count it as an extension automatically, and taxpayers won’t need to file Form 4868.

Victims in FEMA disaster areas may have an automatic extension
The IRS may offer an automatic extension to areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. To check whether an area is included, see IRS.gov/disasters. Taxpayers in the affected areas do not need to file any extension paperwork, and they do not need to call the IRS to qualify for the extended time.

U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad and military members in combat zones may have more time to pay
Taxpayers living overseas, including members of the military and eligible support personnel serving in combat zones may also have extra time to file their tax returns and pay any taxes due.

More information:
What Is the Due Date of My Federal Tax Return or Am I Eligible to Request an Extension?

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Tax Tip 2023-30: Taxpayers should know that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2023-30