1040
Individual Extensions
Federal and applicable state extension filings for individuals who need additional time to complete an accurate return.
Federal and state tax extensions
Need more time to file? File your extension BEFORE the deadline.
Authoritax helps individuals and business owners prepare timely tax-extension filings, estimate amounts that may still be due, and organize the remaining work needed to complete the return.
Individual and business extensions
Secure document portal
Clear next steps
Extension help for different types of returns
The form, deadline, payment estimate, and state requirements depend on the return being extended.
Biz
Business Return Extensions
Extension support for eligible partnerships, S corporations, corporations, and other business returns under an accepted engagement.
State
State Extension Review
State procedures do not always match the federal process. We review the applicable filing and payment requirements for the engagement.
How extension preparation works
Start early enough to identify the return, estimate payment information, and submit the correct filing before the deadline.
Tell us what is due
Identify the taxpayer, return type, filing jurisdiction, and approaching deadline.
Confirm the engagement
We review timing and complexity, confirm whether the work is a good fit, and provide a written scope.
Estimate and prepare
Upload available income, withholding, estimated payments, and business information through the secure portal.
File, then finish
Submit the extension as applicable, make the recommended payment, and continue gathering records for the completed return.
What an extension does and does not do
An accepted extension generally postpones the deadline for filing the return. It does not postpone the deadline for paying tax, replace a required payment, or automatically extend every state filing.
More filing timeAllows additional time to complete the return
Payment still mattersTax may remain due on the original date
Interest may accrueUnpaid balances can continue to cost money
State rules varySeparate action or payment may be required
What should you provide?
Complete information is best, but extension work often begins with a reasonable current estimate.
- A copy of the most recently filed federal and state returns
- Available W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, and other current income information
- Federal and state withholding and estimated payments already made
- Estimated business, rental, investment, or other income not yet reported on forms
- Any notices or correspondence related to the filing deadline
Tax extension questions
Important distinctions about filing deadlines, payments, refunds, and completing the return.
Does an extension give me more time to pay?
Generally, no. An extension gives additional time to file the return, but tax is generally still due by the original payment deadline. Interest and penalties may apply to an unpaid balance.
Do I need every document before filing an extension?
Not necessarily, but enough reliable information is needed to make a reasonable payment estimate. The completed return will still require the full supporting information.
Does a federal extension also extend my state return?
Not always. State extension and payment procedures vary. The requirements for each applicable state should be reviewed separately.
Do I still have to file the completed return?
Yes. An extension is not a substitute for the tax return. The completed return must still be prepared and filed by the extended deadline.
How do I get started?
Use the Authoritax new client inquiry form and clearly identify the return type and deadline. Contact Authoritax as early as possible because submitting an inquiry does not itself extend a return.
Do not wait until the filing deadline.
Tell Authoritax which return needs an extension, when it is due, and what information you currently have. We will review the inquiry promptly, but an extension is not filed until the work is accepted and submission is confirmed.
Authoritax provides tax preparation and related tax support services. Information on this page is general and is not legal, tax, or financial advice for your specific circumstances. Services begin only after Authoritax accepts the engagement in writing.