What to Do if Your Taxes Aren’t Done

We’re getting close to April 15th. But maybe the months of January through March zoomed by faster than an Indy race car and you’re still in shock that your taxes aren’t even started, let alone ready to be submitted.

Don’t panic.
You can file an extension that gives you six more months.
However (and it’s a big one), this only delays when you have to file the forms. It doesn’t delay you paying what you think you owe. An extension can help reduce your penalties if you cannot afford to pay in full by the deadline.
There are two basic penalties the IRS usually imposes: a late filing penalty of 5% per month on any tax due plus a late payment penalty of half a percent per month. If you file an extension and then file your return by the extended deadline of October 18th, you’ll avoid the 5% per month late filing penalty. If you file after October 15th, the late filing penalty won’t begin until October 15th which reduces the total penalty as well.
Individual taxpayers can file an extension using Form 4868. Extensions can also be filed online, which has the added benefit that you’ll get a confirmation code from the IRS that your extension was received.
Businesses request an extension using Form 7004.
So, if you have had taxes withheld, chances are you won’t have to send any additional money in. Look at your tax returns from previous years to see if you owed or were owed money back, and let that be your guide.
The IRS says there will be no penalty imposed if you underpay if:

• The total of your withholding and timely estimated tax payments was at least as much as your 2012 tax. (See Special rules for certain individuals for higher income taxpayers and farmers and fishermen.)
• The tax balance due on your 2013 return is no more than 10% of your total 2013 tax, and you paid all required estimated tax payments on time.
• Your total tax for 2013 (defined later) minus your withholding is less than $1,000.
• You did not have a tax liability for 2012.
• You did not have any withholding taxes and your current year tax (less any household employment taxes) is less than $1,000.

So if this year was an off year, give yourself some breathing room and file that extension. If you talk to a tax accountant in May, June or July, you’ll probably get a better rate since it’s their off season.
Let’s look at state taxes.
California gives you an automatic extension, and you don’t have to file a separate form.
Here’s what you should do if you can’t file by April 15, 2014:

• You are due a refund — File your return by October 15, 2014. Choose e-file and direct deposit for the fastest refund.
• You have a balance due — Pay the amount you owe by April 15, 2014 to avoid penalties and interest. You can pay online, by credit card, or by check with form FTB 3519. Then file your return by October 15, 2014. Choose e-file to ensure we receive your return on time.
• You’re not sure if you have a balance due — Use the worksheet on form FTB 3519 to figure your tax.

It’s usually better to overpay the Franchise Tax Board than underpay. They don’t tend to be as understanding and forgiving as the IRS.
And the usual disclaimer applies. Talk with the IRS or FTB and a licensed tax professional to get the best advice for you and your situation.