Tax extensions

When the deadline is close and you need someone reachable, Night Ledger files extensions for individuals and businesses, from 4 PM to 2 AM Pacific, Monday through Saturday, and seven days a week during tax season.

Can I get an extension on my taxes?

Yes. Individuals can extend the deadline to file their federal return by six months, to October 15, by filing Form 4868 by the original April deadline. Businesses use Form 7004, which generally gives them six more months as well.

Does an extension give me more time to pay?

No. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. Tax you owe is still due by the original deadline. Interest — and usually a late-payment penalty — applies to anything unpaid after that date. An extension does avoid the separate penalty for filing late, which is the heavier of the two, as long as the return is filed by the extended deadline.

That’s why an extension works best with an estimate of what you owe, so you can pay it on time even though the return comes later.

Can you file just the extension?

Yes. We can file a standalone extension, or file the extension and then prepare the return before the extended deadline.

When should I think about an extension?

• A K-1 or corrected tax form hasn’t arrived yet
• You need more time to pull your records together
• Something changed late in the year and you’d rather get the return right than get it in fast

State deadlines and extension rules vary. We’ll tell you what applies to the states you file in.

When can I book?

Appointments open soon. They will run from 4 PM to 2 AM Pacific, Monday through Saturday. During tax season, appointments are available seven days a week. In the meantime, our FAQ answers the questions people ask most.