Mighty Bargain Hunter

Under the gun? Filing extensions in each state

Stumble it! Tip it! Facebook it! | 03/26/11

I’m hoping to have my taxes all ready without needing an extension this year, but maybe there are some extenuating circumstances that will prevent you from filing your federal taxes, and possibly your state taxes, on time.

Below I’ve assembled links to every state that has an individual state tax, with instructions on how to file an extension.  Every state is unique, so be sure to check what your state needs you to do to file an extension, and follow the instructions carefully.  You may need to copy federal forms to send in with your state return.  You may need to provide a reason for the extension, and will not get the extension if you forget!  You may need to estimate your taxes due.  You may need to do the form online.  The due date may be slightly different than the federal deadline.

The requirements from state to state (and DC, haven’t forgotten you guys!) aren’t wildly different, though, and there are several common threads throughout:

• For many of the states, you’re covered just by filing for a federal extension on time. That’s Form 4868.  Be sure to check for your state’s specific instructions by following the link.
• Extra time to file does not mean extra time to pay. I didn’t see an exception to this anywhere.  You still owe your taxes at the regular deadline, and can request a refund for the overage when you file.
• You may get a small reprieve for paying just most of what you owe on time. For some states, if you pay most of what you owe by the deadline and meet the requirements for filing an extension, you won’t owe penalties, but you’ll still owe interest on the unpaid amount until you pay.  If you pass the extended deadline, they you’ll probably start accruing penalties again.
• If the state owes you money, they’re typically a lot more easy-going. Sometimes you don’t have to file anything to get an extension if you’re due a refund.

Anyway, here’s the table.  Please verify by going through to the links that pertain to you!

State/District	Regular deadline	Extended deadline	Automatic?
Alabama	18 April 2011	15 Oct 2011	Yes
Arizona	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Arkansas	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
California	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Colorado	18 April 2011	15 Oct 2011	Yes
Connecticut	18 April 2011	15 Oct 2011	Yes
Delaware	2 May 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
DC	18 April 2011	15 Oct 2011	Yes
Georgia	20 April 2011	19 Oct 2011	Need reason
Hawaii	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Idaho	18 April 2011	15 Oct 2011	Yes
Illinois	18 April 2011	15 Oct 2011	Yes
Indiana	18 April 2011	20 June 2011	Yes
Iowa	2 May 2011	31 Oct 2011	Yes
Kansas	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Kentucky	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Need reason
Louisiana	16 May 2011	15 Nov 2011	Yes
Maine	19 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Maryland	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Massachusetts	19 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Michigan	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Minnesota	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Mississippi	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Missouri	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Montana	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Nebraska	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
New Hampshire	18 April 2011	17 Nov 2011	Yes
New Jersey	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
New Mexico	18 April 2011	16 June 2011	Need reason
New York	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
North Carolina	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
North Dakota	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Need reason
Ohio	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Oklahoma	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Oregon	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Pennsylvania	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Rhode Island	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
South Carolina	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes
Tennessee	15 April 2011	14 Oct 2011	Yes
Utah	18 April 2011	15 Oct 2011	Yes
Vermont	18 April 2011	15 Oct 2011	Yes
Virginia	2 May 2011	1 Nov 2011	Yes, no form needed
West Virginia	18 April 2011	15 Oct 2011	Yes
Wisconsin	18 April 2011	17 Oct 2011	Yes

Some state-specific notes on extensions:

• Arkansas. If you file a federal extension and it’s accepted, you do not need to file an Arkansas extension separately.  The form is necessary only in the event that you want to get an extension for your Arkansas return, but not your federal return.
• Indiana. The state extension form only gives you an extra two months, but the federal extension form gives you until November 18th.
• Iowa. There is no form, and the state does not honor federal extension forms, but if at least 90% of the Iowa taxes are paid by the due date, there is an automatic extension to file.
• Kansas. A copy of the federal extension form must be submitted with your Kansas return for the extension to be valid.
• New Mexico. Usually extensions are granted for any reason up to 60 days after the normal deadline.  Beyond that the reasons need to be better, presumably.
• New York. Extension request must be done online.
• North Dakota. A reason needs to be given, but filing a federal extension automatically extends the North Dakota filing.
• Ohio. The federal extension must be filed in Ohio.  There is no Ohio-specific extension form.
• Oklahoma. For e-filers, you get an extra two days to file your taxes.  The e-deadline is April 20th.
• Oregon. As with Arkansas, the form is necessary only in the event that you want to get an extension for your Oregon return, but not your federal return.
• Pennsylvania. The extension time is up to six months.
• Utah. No form is necessary, but there are prepayment requirements to get the automatic extension.

In summary, states want your money now, but they’ll usually give you a little extra time to get your return together if you just ask for it.

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