Bookkeeping Tips: Filing Your Taxes after April 15th

Protocol for Filing Taxes After the 15th

What do you do if you can’t meet the IRS filing deadline? How to file an extension on your 2010 tax return.

The federal tax return filing deadline for tax year 2010 is Monday, April 18, 2011

If you miss the deadline and do not file for an extension, it’s very important to file your taxes as soon as possible. One way to file that is fast and easy is to use TurboTax. TurboTax offers some great tips on how to file your extension and what details you must remember in order to comply with IRS requirements.

Why file for an extension?

Filing an extension automatically pushes back the tax filing deadline until the fall and helps you avoid late-filing fees.

If you file an extension by April 18, 2011 you have 6 months. The late filing deadline is October 17, 2011. Keep in mind an extension of time to file does not mean you are not responsible for paying your taxes. If you owe money you are expected to pay by the April deadline, but paperwork can be filed as late as Oct. as mentioned above.

If you don’t ask for an extension the consequences differ depending on whether you owe the IRS money or the IRS owes you a refund.

If you expect a refund and are correct there is no penalty for failing to file your tax return by the deadline, even if you don’t ask for an extension.

Ask your accountant or bookkeeper if an extension is right for you and be sure and make your payments on time if you owe the IRS.

To learn more visit TurboTax and read their article on tax filing extensions for 2011.

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Tags: accounting, april 15, bookkeeping, IRS, tax advice, tax deadlines, taxes