Today, October 17, is the expiration of the automatic six month extensions that were filed with IRS and the States back in April.  While most people have been able to get their tax returns in by now, many have not.  For those folks, it’s not as serious a situation as it may seem, as I explained earlier today in this email exchange with a client.   

From the client:

Subject: Extension for personal taxes

We are still dealing with S’s medical issues and have not been able to finish getting all the information together for our personal taxes. Would you be able to file another extension for us?

Thanks much,

My Reply:

IRS no longer has a form to request additional time to file after the first six month extension expires. 

Late penalties are based on the amount of taxes due with the return.  Nothing due, no penalty.

If you do end up owing money, IRS & DFA will waive the late penalties for Reasonable Cause.  The most common Reasonable Cause that is acceptable justification for late filing is health problems of the taxpayers and/or their family.  As cold-hearted as their reputation is, IRS is actually very compassionate when it comes to waiving late penalties due to health and medical situations.

So, you should focus on getting S well and then worry about your 2015 tax returns. 

Good luck.

Kerry