If you filed for a 2010 income tax extension this year, today is the deadline to file your return. In other words, you must have your return postmarked no later than October 17, 2011 to prevent penalties this year.
Tax Returns Due Today
In preparing tax returns, some taxpayers find they have not acquired the proper documentation to submit their return by the standard April deadline to file.
In this case, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows taxpayers to file an extension, which means they don’t have to submit their 1040 or other related forms. Instead, they must submit the 4868 form, stating their intention to delay their filing. They do, however, still have to pay their taxes owed to avoid penalties.
This year the extension deadline was pushed to October 17, as taxpayers filed returns or extensions on April 18 due to Washington, D.C. celebrating a local holiday.
Some Taxpayers Can Avoid Filing Extension Today
The IRS says some taxpayers may be able to file after October 17 depending on their circumstances, including:
- Military and others serving in combat zone localities: Members of the military and others serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and other combat zone localities may not have to file their returns today. Typically taxpayers have at least 180 days after leaving the combat zone to file their returns and pay taxes due. The IRS offers FAQs on Combat Zone Service for more information.
- Natural disaster victims: Another group that may be able to avoid filing today are taxpayers who have been affected by Hurricane Irene or other recent natural disasters. Certain residents of eight states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Vermont), including Puerto Rico have until October 31 to file.
For those who would like to file today and want to side-step the snail mail process, the Telefile option is no longer available due to the cost of the program. However, taxpayers can still submit paperwork using e-file. If you choose this option, you have until the end of today to file your return.
