File on Time Even if You Can’t Pay

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Generally, taxpayers should file their tax returns by the deadline even if they cannot pay the total amount due, but if you can’t, there are several options. Let’s take a look at a few scenarios:

  1. An individual taxpayer owes taxes but can’t pay in full by the deadline. If this is the case, file a tax return or request an extension of time to file by the April 18 deadline. If tax is owed and a return is not filed on time – or an extension is not requested – the taxpayer may face a failure-to-file penalty for not filing on time.
  2. File an extension. Taxpayers should remember that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. An extension gives taxpayers until October 17, 2022, to file their 2021 tax return, but taxes owed are still due April 18, 2022 (April 19 if you live in Maine or Massachusetts).

To file an extension, taxpayers must do one of the following:

  • File Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time, through their tax professional
  • Submit an electronic payment with Direct Pay, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or by debit, credit card, or digital wallet, and select Form 4868 or extension as the payment type.
  1. Set up a payment plan as soon as possible. Taxpayers who owe money but cannot pay in full by April 18 (April 19 if you live in Maine or Massachusetts) don’t have to wait for a tax bill to set up a payment plan. Instead, they can:
  • Apply for a payment plan on IRS.gov; or
  • Submit a payment plan request using Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request
  1. Pay as much as possible by the April 18 (or 19) due date. Whether filing a return or requesting an extension, taxpayers must pay their tax bill in full by the May deadline to avoid interest and penalties. People who do not pay their taxes on time will face a failure-to-pay penalty. The IRS has options for taxpayers who can’t afford to pay the taxes they owe.

Don’t wait. If you need assistance filing a tax return or an extension for 2021, please call the office as soon as possible.

Any accounting, business, or tax advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. If desired, we would be pleased to perform the requisite research and provide you with a detailed written analysis. Such an engagement may be the subject of a separate engagement letter that would define the scope and limits of the desired consultation services.