Extension to file Form 1040 with EFTPS?
I want to get an automatic 6-month extension of time to file Form 1040.
Is paying my estimated federal income tax due with EFTPS enough to get the extension?
Or do I also need to:
– either file a paper Form 4868?
– or electronically file Form 4868 with IRS e-file (using a tax software or a preparer)?
Please indicate your source of information in your answer if you can.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Permalink Submitted by Alan Spross on Fri, 2012-04-13 16:53
You do not need to file a 4868 if you pay by EFTPS (or credit or debit card) by 4/17.
While this is not totally clear the way item 2 is described at the top of Form 4868 below, Pub 17, p 10 clearly indicates “You do not file Form 4868” when paying in this manner.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf
Permalink Submitted by Thierry Turc on Sat, 2012-04-14 07:07
Alan,
Thank you very much for your response.
What is still confusing to me though on page 10 of 2011 Publication 17 is that the IRS writes:
“E-file and pay… by using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)”
I assume that what the IRS means by “E-file” in this case is using the online EFTPS system to indicate that the payment you are making is for an extension (as opposed to estimated taxes or something else).
But I think they should simply say:
“Pay… by using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)”
since there is no need to e-file (in the sense of electronically filing Form 4868 with a tax software or through a preparer) to get an extension as long as you pay with EFTPS.
Permalink Submitted by Alan Spross on Sat, 2012-04-14 19:24
After looking into this further, there is conflicting presentations on various IRS sites, the EFTPS site, Pub 17, and Form 4868 itself. No wonder you were confused.
I called the EFTPS phone number, and the CSR implied that a separate extension is required, that it is not obtained automatically by making a CC or EFTPS payment. With all this inconsistency among various IRS sources, printed and web and the CSR, I would not rely on securing your extension solely by making an EFTPS payment when there is a failure to file penalty at stake. I would use one of the methods to file the 4868 as well.
Permalink Submitted by Thierry Turc on Sun, 2012-04-15 04:09
Alan,
You’re right. To be sure I get an extension, I’m going to file a paper Form 4868, even though I already made an extension payment with EFTPS.
Permalink Submitted by Lizabeth Sloane on Sat, 2014-04-12 19:54
Having the same concerns, I question the correct address to send the 4868 form as well. I made my EFTPS payment, so no payment is enclosed.Looks like the Internal Revenue Center address on the right side should be the mailing address, correct? I just want it clear that a payment has been made, just not in the envelope!