A Quick Guide to Tax Extensions This legal expert shares the facts when it comes to filing for a tax extension.

Let's face it. If you're just starting to think aboutyour taxes now, it's probably too late for you to learn whatyou need to know between now and April 17. So I've got one wordfor you--just one word: extension!

If you're a sole proprietor or single member LLC, you canget an automatic six-month extension of time to file your return(to October 16, 2006) by filing IRS Form 4868, "Applicationfor Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Income TaxReturn", by April 17. This form is available as a freedownload at www.irs.gov. You don't have to explain to the IRSwhy you need an extension; they just give it to you. An extensionof more than 6 months cannot be granted if you are in the UnitedStates.

If you have a partnership, a corporation (regular or subchapterS) or an LLC with more than one member, you should still file Form4868 for your personal tax return. But you will also need to fileIRS Form 7004, "Application for Automatic 6-Month Extension ofTime To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and OtherReturns", by April 17 in order to get an automatic six-monthextension to file your Form 1065 (for partnerships and multimemberLLCs), Form 1120 (for corporations) or Form 1120-S (for subchapterS corporations). These forms are also available as free downloadsat www.irs.gov.

Last but not least, you'll also need to file applicationsfor an extension of time to file your state income tax returnsThese forms vary from state to state, but they're usuallyavailable as free downloads from your state's tax authority. Goto www.natptax.com/state_information.html and click onyour state when the map of the United States pops up. You'llthen be linked to your state tax authority's website. Click on"Forms and Publications," or search on the site for"extension forms."

When it comes to tax extension, keep in mind one importantthing: When you file for an extension, you're only getting moretime to file your tax return paperwork. If you think you'll owethe federal or state government any taxes for last year, you cannotextend the time required to pay your taxes. You'll have to"guesstimate" the amount you owe and pay it along withyour Form 4868 or Form 7004. Otherwise, you'll incur interestand taxes on the overdue payment and make yourself more likely tobe audited down the road. If, of course, you think the IRS owes youmoney, you won't be able to get it until you actually file yourreturn.