Overview
Filing for an extension on a tax return is a common practice that gives you additional time to file and obtain financial records and tax documents. You are still responsible for paying any outstanding amounts to the IRS by the tax filing due date, but you can file your tax return later.
Important
- You are still responsible for submitting any payments owed to the IRS by the tax filing due date. Failing to pay on time may result in penalties and interest, specifically the Failure to File Penalty from the IRS.
- Contrary to popular misinformation, filing an extension will not increase the likelihood of an audit.
- Please submit your extension request by April 1st, 2026.
What is a tax extension?
A tax extension is a formal request to the IRS and your state's tax agency for additional time to file your tax return. While we encourage you to fill out your Tax Checklist as soon as possible so we can get working on your tax return, an extension is put in place to protect your business and help you avoid any fees or penalties from the IRS or your state. The extension filing deadline with Heard is April 1st.
What do I need to file for an extension?
- Your tax-identifying information
- Your filing status and, if applicable, your spouse's information
- Your estimated income and quarterly estimated tax payments
- Prior year tax return
- Official government approved ID
How can I file for an extension?
To request an extension, please follow the steps below:
- Go to Taxes>Annual
- On the right-hand side of the page, click Get more time to file to get started.
- Please review our quick info on how extensions work.
- Then check the checkbox next to “I have read and acknowledge the above,” then click the Request Extension button at the bottom of the page to proceed with the checklist.
Once you’ve submitted your request, you will gain access to complete the Submit Extension Request module.
How do I file an extension?
To file an extension, please follow the steps below:
- Go to Taxes>Annual
- On the "Submit Extension Request" module, click the Start or Continue green button.
- Confirm Details and click Save.
- Confirm Personal Details: name, date of birth, SSN, occupation, phone number, home address
- Confirm Business Details: name, email address, phone number, address
- Click Continue
- Select Filing Status and click Continue
- Single (Not head of household)
- Married Filing Jointly
- Married Filing Separately
- Head of Household
- Qualifying Widow(er)
- Update Location Information and click Continue
- Select all the states where you lived or earned income
- Select all the states where you had clients
- Enter quarterly tax payments and click Continue
- Review your information and click Submit
Once you’ve submitted your request, we’ll match you with a Tax Preparer who will assist with filing your extension.
How much does a tax extension cost?
There are no additional fees associated with filing an extension. However, you are required to submit any payments owed to the IRS and state by the tax filing due date. The extension survey will calculate how much you should pay based on your tax liability; however, if you underpay, you may still be subject to penalties and interest for underpayment, as well as late fees.
What happens if I don't complete the extension request by April 1st?
If you do not submit your extension request by April 1st, Heard won't be able to help you file an extension, and you may be at a greater risk of additional penalties and interest.
After you've filed an extension
If you owe any payments, you must submit payment by April 15th in order to avoid being subjected to a penalty. Please see: How to submit a federal extension payment. Once your extension has been filed, your filing deadline is October 15th. Heard will continue to request the necessary tax documents to file your return.