Do I need to file an extension for my federal taxes if I am due a refund?

Question

I am due to get back over a thousand dollars but have read that I need to file an extension and send the IRS a check. They owe me! What's the deal if you don't owe the IRS?
Thanks

I went ahead and filed an extension. Thanks so much for all the advice and help.

Answer 1

It's never a bad idea. But if you are due a refund, the IRS doesn't charge you penalties and/or interest for filing after the deadline. If you are 100% positive that you are receiving a refund, then don't worry about the extension.

Answer 2

To be "legal" you are required to file an application for extension. If you don't owe, there is no penalty for not doing that but filing the extension application will prevent the IRS from hassling you until the extended filing deadline. If your income is strictly W-2 wages it's probably safe to ignore the extension but if you have income that is not subject to withholding (any income reported on any Form 1099) then you need to file the extension by Tuesday.

Answer 3

The official answer is yes, you have to request an extension if you're not going to file on time. But if you have a refund coming and you don't request an extension, there is no penalty.

If you request an extension, you'd only send them a check with it if you expect to OWE, not if you have a refund coming.

Answer 4

YES! You must file an extension by midnight on April 17th.

Answer 5

so,, if the IRS owes you money,, why would you send them a check??

so,, if the IRS owes you money,, why wouldn't you file a return to get it back?

So,, how does the IRS know they owe you a refund until you file your tax return???

And,, ,, oh never mind,,,,,, just file your tax return already...........