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 IRS balance due by the tax filing deadline, but you may submit your tax return later.
Important
- Contrary to popular misinformation, filing an extension will not increase the likelihood of an audit.
- You are still responsible for submitting any payments owed to the IRS and your state's tax agency by the tax filing due date. Failing to pay on time may result in penalties and interest, including the IRS Failure to File Penalty.
- Please submit your extension request to Heard by March 1st, 2026.
What is a tax extension?
A tax extension is a formal request to the IRS and/or your state's tax agency for additional time to file your tax return, Form 7004. While we encourage you to complete the tax preparation steps as soon as possible so we can begin work on your tax return, an extension is in place to protect your business and help you avoid penalties from the IRS or your state's agency. The extension filing deadline with Heard is March 1st.
What do I need to file an extension?
- Your personal and business 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 request an extension?
To request an extension, please follow the steps below:
- Go to Taxes>Annual
- On the right-hand side of the page, under "Options," click Get more time to file.
- 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 Tax Preparer filing your extension 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 March 1st?
If you do not submit your extension request to Heard by March 1st, we will be unable to assist you in filing an extension, and you may be at a greater risk of additional penalties and interest.
How do I file for an extension outside of Heard?
You can still file an extension with the IRS and your state agency by March 15th. Get an extension to file your tax return | Internal Revenue Service.
After you've filed an extension
You may need to complete your state or local franchise tax. Once your extension has been filed, your filing deadline is September 15th. Heard will continue to request the necessary tax documents to file your return.
What about personal taxes?
As a precaution, Heard will request an extension for your personal tax return, Form 1040, and your S Corp tax return, Form 1120-S. You may be required to submit payment for your personal taxes with the extension request by April 15th.