How can a calendar year C-corporation request an extension for filing its federal tax return?
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A calendar year C-corporation can request an automatic extension of time to file its federal income tax return (Form 1120) by following these steps:
1. File Form 7004 by the Original Due Date
- The corporation must file Form 7004, "Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns," on or before the original due date of the return, which for a calendar year C-corporation is April 15 of the year following the close of the tax year.- For 2025, the due date is April 15, 2025, unless the corporation is located in a federally declared disaster area with a postponed deadline (e.g., May 1, 2025, for Florida and Georgia due to Hurricane Milton).
2. Complete Form 7004 Properly
- The form must be completed accurately, including the corporation’s name, EIN, address, and the form code for Form 1120.
- The corporation must make a proper estimate of its tax liability for the year and enter this on the form.
3. Pay the Estimated Tax Due
- Form 7004 does not extend the time to pay any tax due. The corporation must pay the amount of tax it expects to owe by the original due date of the return.
- If at least 90% of the tax shown on the return is paid by the original due date, and the balance is paid by the extended due date, late payment penalties may be avoided.
4. Extension Period
- The automatic extension period for a calendar year C-corporation is 6 months, making the extended due date October 15, 2025.- This 6-month extension is confirmed by both IRS regulations and IRS practice, even though the statute at IRC § 6081(b) previously specified a 5-month extension; the IRS has exercised its authority under IRC § 6081(a) to grant a 6-month extension.
5. No Separate IRS Approval Needed
- The extension is automatic if Form 7004 is properly filed and the estimated tax is paid. The IRS will only notify the corporation if the extension is disallowed.
6. No Extension for Payment
- The extension is only for filing the return, not for payment of tax. Interest and penalties may accrue on any unpaid tax after the original due date.
7. Summary of Steps
1. Complete Form 7004 with all required information.
2. File Form 7004 electronically or by mail by April 15, 2025 (or the applicable postponed date).
3. Pay the estimated tax due by the original due date.
4. The corporation will have until October 15, 2025, to file its Form 1120.
Special Note: If the corporation’s fiscal year ends on June 30, a 7-month extension applies instead of 6 months.
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