How to File an Extension
Extending state tax filing doesn't delay payment deadlines. Estimate and pay taxes for hassle-free compliance.
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Tax payment deadlines to avoid penalty and take advantage of the filing extension
S corporations
Filing Deadline: Sept. 15
March 15 is the deadline to file for an extension using Form 7004.
When you successfully apply for an extension, your new filing due date is September 15. Note that even with an extension, you still need to pay an estimate of your taxes on the original due date.
- EIN, business address, a list of the states you have operations, employees, earned income, or paid sales tax in. If you're in Texas, you'll also need your Webfile number.
Partnerships
Payment Due: March 15
March 15 is also the deadline to file for an extension using Form 7004.
If you successfully apply for an extension, your new filing due date is September 15. Note that even with an extension, you still need to pay an estimate of your taxes on the original due date.
C corporations
Filing Deadline: Oct. 15
April 15 is the deadline to file for an extension using Form 4868.
If you successfully apply for an extension, your new filing due date is October 15. Note that even with an extension, you still need to pay an estimate of your taxes on the original due date.
States that require a separate state extension:Arizona, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island
Payment is required and an automatic extension is granted when payment is received: Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma
Sole proprietorships
Filing Deadline: Oct. 15
April 15 is the deadline to file for an extension using Form 4868.
If you successfully apply for an extension, your new filing due date is October 15. Note that even with an extension, you still need to pay an estimate of your taxes on the original due date.
Pay now to avoid penalty
An extension buys you time to file your return but 100%
of taxes owed for 2023 is due by April 15.
What you need to know about your tax extension
The legal setup and physical presence of your business, along with the locations where it operates,
can influence which state(s) you must apply to for a tax extension.
✓ It's up to you to estimate
and pay state taxes on or before deadline
An extension of state taxes can give you more time to file your return (the paperwork), it doesn’t extend the time you have to pay the taxes you owe. You will need to estimate and pay the state taxes you owe for the year on or before your state’s regular tax filing deadline.
✓ Know your state's requirements
Each state has different requirements for obtaining a tax extension. Some states offer automatic extensions to taxpayers, whereas others require you to file paperwork by a certain deadline. Work with your Bench team to determine your unique requirements.
✓ Over-estimate your tax bill, if you can afford it
It’s always a good idea to err on the side of paying slightly more taxes than you estimate you owe for the year. If your state tax authority finds that you have overpaid your taxes for the year, you’ll receive the surplus back by way of a tax refund, or you can credit it to next year’s taxes. However, if you underpay and end up owing state tax at the end of the year, you may be subject to penalties.
Note: If paying by check, you'll need to print off the extension vouchers provided to you by Bench.
Paying your tax bill
With your extension request submitted on your behalf by Bench,
now pay what you owe with the following resources
Estimate
quarterly taxes
Even when filing an extension, ensuring that estimated taxes are accurately paid throughout the year is critical to avoid additional charges.
How much to set aside for small business taxes
There are a few ways to go about calculating what you owe. The best method will depend on how long you’ve been in business and how stable your income is.
Need a payment extension? That's Form 1127
Need more time to pay your taxes? You’re not alone. Filing Form 1127, Application for Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due to Undue Hardship, just might give you more time to pay the tax you owe.
Tax filing 101
How to maximize returns
Frequently asked questions
See what other small business owners like you ask during tax season.
Your tax team can help you with a wide variety of income tax-related questions! Here are some examples to get you started:
The IRS just sent me a letter, what does it mean? Do I have to pay quarterly estimates? Should I incorporate my business? Should I write off mileage or get a business vehicle? Would it be advantageous to switch to an S corp?
Your Bench Tax Advisors are available year-round, and will answer your questions in two business days or less. Don’t have any burning questions? That’s okay, too! We’re still on hand to support you, and can give recommendations based on your unique business needs.
Making the most of all your available tax deductions can save you hundreds—even thousands—of dollars at tax time. As a small business owner, it can be difficult to know what deductions are relevant to you. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the top 17 deductions for small businesses
Yes! Personal federal and state income tax filings are included for sole proprietors in our Bookkeeping & Tax plan.
For S-Corps, C-Corps, and Partnerships, you can add-on personal filing for one partner or shareholder for just $59/mo when billed annually or $69/mo when billed monthly.
If you intend to file as a sole proprietor, a partnership, S corporation shareholder, and/or a self-employed individual, you’ll generally need to make estimated quarterly tax payments if you will owe taxes of $1,000 or more. Businesses that file as a corporation generally need to make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $500 or more in tax for the year. If you meet these IRS minimums, then you’ll likely have to file estimated quarterly taxes.
To find out how to calculate and pay your estimated quarterly taxes, read our guide with a free calculator.
Tax professionals may structure their service pricing differently. Many charge a flat fee per return, while others charge an hourly rate for the same task. Hiring a CPA or accountant to file your taxes costs between $220 and $800, depending on the size, complexity, and type of business. You’ll pay more for tax prep if your business records are messy or your bookkeeping isn’t accurate and tax-ready.
You can save considerably by buying tax accounting software. The cost is much less than hiring a tax expert, and the expense is tax-deductible, but you should be honest with yourself in your confidence to file your own taxes.
Find out more about each of your filing options in our filing guide.
Submit your payment to the IRS
Extending state tax filing doesn't delay payment deadlines. Pay owed taxes by the due date for hassle-free compliance.