TAX FILING & EXTENSIONS · 3 MIN READ
Why Does My CPA Always File for an Extension?
By Hevia & Hevia CPA Firm · Published
Reviewed by Alexander Hevia, CPA, J.D., LL.M. (Taxation) —
Your CPA may recommend an extension because your return depends on information, accounting work, or review that cannot reasonably be completed before the original deadline. An extension can be a responsible part of preparing an accurate return—but you should understand why it is being recommended.
Your return may depend on someone else’s return
Business owners and investors often receive information from partnerships, S corporations, trusts, or other investments. If a Schedule K-1 or corrected statement is still outstanding, your personal return may not be ready to file.
For example, an investor who owns interests in several partnerships may receive most tax documents early, while one investment’s final information arrives later. Filing before that information is available could result in an incomplete return and subsequent corrections.
Your records may need additional work
Reconciling accounts, resolving bookkeeping discrepancies, documenting transactions, and coordinating domestic and international information can take time.
An extension provides additional time to complete that work. It does not eliminate the need to provide records or respond to your accountant’s questions.
A firm may also use extensions to schedule preparation and review throughout the year. If scheduling is the reason, that should be explained clearly, with a realistic completion plan.
You should still know what happens next
If your return is extended every year, ask your CPA:
- What specifically is preventing us from filing?
- What information do you need from me?
- How much tax should I pay by the original deadline?
- When should I expect the completed return?
- Could earlier bookkeeping or document delivery change next year’s timeline?
An extension should come with communication and follow-through.
An extension does not postpone the tax bill
For an ordinary federal individual income-tax filing extension, additional time to file does not extend the payment deadline. Your CPA should help estimate the amount due using available information. Interest and applicable penalties may arise when tax is paid late. IRS: Get an extension to file
At Hevia & Hevia CPA Firm, we believe clients should understand the reason for an extension, their payment responsibilities, and the steps needed to complete the return.
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