Extensions & tax deadlines
What a tax extension does (and doesn't), and how to confirm the dates that apply to you.
Extensions and deadlines cause more worry than they need to. Here's the plain-English version of what an extension actually does, plus how to confirm the dates that apply to your return.
An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. Your tax contact will confirm the dates that apply to your return.
What an extension does
A tax extension gives you more time to file your return, usually up to six months past the original due date. It's a routine request when filed on time, and filing an extension is not a red flag.
We use extensions when finalizing your books or gathering documents needs a little more runway. Better to file an accurate return a bit later than to rush an inaccurate one and have to amend it.
This is the part people miss. An extension extends your filing deadline, but any tax you owe is still due by the original deadline.
If you expect to owe, you or Uplinq should estimate and pay by the original date. The IRS says an extension is only for filing your return, not for paying tax owed.
How to confirm your dates
Federal deadline patterns depend on entity type, tax year, weekends, holidays, and IRS relief. Your tax contact will confirm the dates for your return.
For current federal calendars, check IRS Publication 509 or the IRS tax calendar.
Common federal patterns include:
- Partnerships and S-corporations often have a March deadline for calendar-year returns.
- Individuals, many Schedule C filers, and many C-corporations often have an April deadline for calendar-year returns.
- Quarterly estimated taxes are separate from extension filings and may still be due during the year.
For the IRS rule on extensions, see Get an extension to file your tax return.
Which deadlines apply to you comes down to how your business is set up. If you're not sure of your entity type, see How your entity type affects tax forms.
Your tax contact will confirm the dates that apply to your return.