Filing the Extension
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Extensions must be filed by the original due date of the return
- Most tax years: April 15
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You may file the extension:
- Electronically through Ramsey SmartTax, or
- By mail, as long as it is postmarked by the original deadline
How to E‑File the Extension in the Program
- Federal
- Miscellaneous Forms
- Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File >> Complete extension information
- Go to Extension Payment >> Enter payment information (if applicable)
- E‑file Extension using the best information available
What Amounts Should I Enter?
All amounts entered on Form 4868 should be reasonably close to what you expect to report on your final return.
- Exact calculations are not required
- Estimates should be made in good faith using the best information available
Information Request to Complete Form 4868
Estimated Tax Liability: Enter the total tax liability you reasonably expect to report on your completed return.
- This amount should be a good‑faith estimate based on the information available to you at the time you file the extension.
- If the IRS later determines that the estimate was not reasonable, the extension may be considered invalid.
Amounts Previously Paid for the Current Tax Year: Enter the total tax payments you have already made for the tax year, including:
- Federal income tax withheld from wages
- Quarterly estimated tax payments
- Prior‑year refunds applied to the current year
- Do not include any amount you plan to pay with your extension in this section.
Amount Paid With Extension: Enter the amount you plan to pay when filing the extension.
- The formula is: Estimated Tax Liability − Amounts Previously Paid = Expected Balance Due
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You may choose to:
- Pay the full balance
- Pay a partial amount
- Make no payment with the extension
If you do not pay at least 90% of your total tax liability by the mid‑April deadline, the IRS may charge:
- Interest on the unpaid amount, and
- A late payment penalty
If you plan to make a payment, select Go to Extension Payment. Otherwise, select Continue.