If you’re reading this, you probably haven’t filed yet.
That’s okay. You’re not alone. But April 15 is two weeks away, and you need to make a decision. Here are your options.
File Now
If you have your documents together, I can still get your return filed before the deadline. I’m in full tax season mode right now. This is what I do.
But you need to call today, not next week. The closer we get to April 15, the less flexibility I have.
What I need from you: your 1099s, last year’s return, mileage records, and any big equipment purchases. If you can get me those quickly, we can make this happen.
File an Extension
An extension gives you until October 15 to file your return. It’s not a red flag. It doesn’t trigger an audit. Plenty of people file extensions for perfectly legitimate reasons.
Here’s the catch: an extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owe taxes, you still need to pay your best estimate by April 15 to avoid penalties.
When does an extension make sense? When you’re missing documents. When your situation is complicated. When you need more time to do it right instead of rushing and making mistakes.
I can file an extension for you. It takes five minutes. Then we can work on your actual return without the pressure of the deadline.
Do Nothing
I don’t recommend this one.
If you don’t file and don’t request an extension, penalties start the day after the deadline. The failure-to-file penalty is steeper than most people realize. Interest compounds on top of it.
The problem doesn’t go away. It just gets more expensive.
What I Need From You
If you want to file before the deadline, get me your documents as soon as possible. The basics: 1099s, prior year return, mileage, big purchases.
If you want to file an extension, just call me. We can do that quickly and buy you time to get organized.
If you’re not sure which option makes sense, let’s talk. A quick phone call can clear it up.
Next Year Doesn’t Have to Feel Like This
I say this every April: the contractors who do monthly bookkeeping with me don’t have this scramble. Their documents are organized. Their quarterly taxes are paid. When April rolls around, we just file. No panic.
If that sounds better than what you’re doing now, we can talk about it after the deadline passes.
For now, let’s get you through this one.
Sue