ENR Group Financial Services

Filing Extensions and Minimizing Penalties – Did You Know?

Taxpayers who request an automatic extension to file their 2021 federal income tax returns may file anytime up until October 17th, 2022. Remember, however, that an IRS extension is only an extension to file tax returns, NOT an extension to pay any tax owed. Taxes not paid by the April 18th payment deadline may be subject to late penalties and interest charges.

Electronic payments may be made using the IRS online payment portal (link below). The IRS urges those who cannot pay what they owe at this time to pay whatever amount they can, and then apply for an installment plan to pay off the remaining balance.

You should still file your taxes, even if you can't pay, as the failure-to-file penalty may be 10 times more than the failure-to-pay penalty.

IRS Online Payment Portal: https://www.irs.gov/payments

Federal Tax Extensions - Did You Know?

If you file for an extension on your federal income tax return, you have until Oct 15th, 2022 to file your taxes but you still have to pay any taxes due by April 18th, 2022. Bear in mind that this extension applies only to FILING your return; the payment due date will remain as April 18th. Failing to pay the full amount you owe by April 18th may result in late fees, interest or other penalties.

If you are a US citizen or green card holder living overseas, or active military on duty outside the United States on the regular due date of the return, you may be able to get an automatic two month extension to file your return and pay any taxes due.

2021 IRA Contributions Deadline

If you choose to contribute money to your IRA by April 18, 2022, you may designate the contribution for the tax year 2021. Americans of any age may make 2021 IRA contributions, up to $6,000 if they are under 50, or up to $7,000 if they are 50 or older.

Many taxpayers may deduct contributions to a traditional IRA. However, if you or your spouse is covered by a workplace retirement plan, your contributions may be only partially deductible or non-deductible, depending on your income. Roth IRA contributions are not deductible, but taxpayers can receive qualified distributions from their Roth IRAs tax free.

Taxpayers who contribute to IRAs or ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts may also qualify for the Saver's Tax Credit. The credit amount depends on a taxpayer's income and filing status. Because credits lower tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis, they may result in greater tax savings than deductions. Eligible taxpayers may claim both the traditional IRA contribution deduction and the Saver's Credit.

If you make an IRA contribution by the April 18th deadline and want to designate it for 2021, you must inform the financial institution of this choice. A tax professional can help you properly document and report your retirement plan contributions, to ensure that you get all the tax benefits you deserve.