(Yahoo!Finance) - It’s not uncommon for Americans to request an extension to file their federal tax returns.
Last year, 19 million taxpayers requested an extension to file. While some may have complicated finances, others may just need more preparation time. Fortunately, the U.S. tax system offers a reasonably straightforward extension request process.
Even so, misinformation about getting an extension could subject you to penalties and interest if not handled correctly.
Here is the breakdown of the three most common misconceptions about a tax extension and what you should do instead.
Myth #1: Extension to file means extension to make a payment
The biggest misconception about tax extensions is that it gives you extra time to pay taxes that are due. But an extension only provides six additional months to submit your return — any tax liability is due on tax day.
"I run across this a lot with new clients who haven't had an extension before, so it's all a brand new concept to them," Grant Dougherty, an enrolled agent and founder of Dougherty Tax Solutions, told Yahoo Finance about the common mix-up.
The concept may confuse filers because they may not know the amount of taxes due before filling out their full return, which isn’t due for another six months after filing for an extension. But the IRS charges penalties and interest for any underpayment outstanding after the regular tax due date, which falls on April 18, 2023, for this season.
In this instance, Dougherty suggests filers estimate their total income and expenses, so they can get an estimate of how much they may owe.
One extension exception this year: The IRS has automatically extended both the filing and payment date for Americans living in certain disaster areas.
The tax agency often automatically gives extra time — ranging between one and six months, depending on the area and the disaster — for individuals affected by severe natural disasters.
The aim of that extension is to provide financial relief for impacted Americans.
The IRS provides this year’s locations and new deadlines on its website.
Myth #2: Extensions are hard and expensive to file
There are three ways to request an extension — through the IRS website, using tax prep software, or by paper filing — and most can be done for free.
The IRS partners with different companies — such as TaxSlayer, TaxAct, and FreeTaxUSA — to provide free extension filing services for everyone, regardless of income.
You can use your tax software to file extensions electronically. The software will guide you through the entire process. You may have to pay for your tax software's regular services, but most include extension service at no extra charge.
If you have a tax payment due, you can still file an extension by making the outstanding payment electronically through Direct Pay or by credit or debit card on the IRS-partner software or your tax prep software.
You can also file an extension the old-fashioned way by mailing in Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns. You need to enclose a check or money order if taxes are due and postmark the entire ensemble by this year's deadline, April 18, 2023.
Myth #3: A federal extension automatically grants a state extension
Not all states recognize federal extensions. Taxpayers must file a separate extension specific to their state if it doesn’t recognize federal extensions.
For instance, residents of New York would need to file a separate extension for an extra six months to file a state return, because the state doesn’t follow the federal extension process. The administrative distinction means that New Yorkers who only submit a federal extension to the IRS and send their federal and state returns after the April 18 deadline are considered on time with the IRS, but late with the New York Department of Revenue.
Still, many states piggyback on the federal extension, which allows residents to file just the federal extension to get both one for their state and federal taxes. The best place to check whether your state follows the federal extension is on your state's official department of revenue website.
But even if you live in a state that doesn't require an additional extension, you must still pay any outstanding state taxes by the regular due date. Like federal payments, an extension to file is not an extension to pay your taxes.
By Rebecca Chen · Reporter
Rebecca is a reporter for Yahoo Finance and previously worked as an investment tax certified public accountant (CPA).
