---
title: Filing for an extension isn’t without perils - Brown Edwards
description: Yes, the federal income tax filing deadline is slightly later than usual this year — April 18 — but it’s now nearly upon us. So, if you haven’t filed your return yet, you may be thinking about an extension. Extension deadlines […]
image: https://blog.becpas.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/04_05_16_122463607_ITB_560x292.jpg
---

[Twitter ** ](https://www.facebook.com/BrownEdwardsCPAs?utm_source=BE+Website&utm_medium=Website+Icon&utm_campaign=BE+Website+Social+Icon&utm_content=Facebook) [Facebook-f ** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/brown-edwards/?utm_source=BE+Website&utm_medium=Website+Icon&utm_campaign=BE+Website+Social+Icon&utm_content=LinkedIn) [Linkedin ** ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ReCSn6AFfdQiCUsH4oopA?utm_source=BE+Website&utm_medium=Website+Icon&utm_campaign=BE+Website+Social+Icon&utm_content=YouTube) [Youtube ** ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ReCSn6AFfdQiCUsH4oopA?utm_source=BE+Website&utm_medium=Website+Icon&utm_campaign=BE+Website+Social+Icon&utm_content=YouTube)

[ Client Portal ](https://becpas.sharefile.com/Authentication/Login)

[ Make A Payment ](https://becpas.com/payments/)

[ Request Proposal ](https://becpas.com/request-for-proposal/)

![](https://blog.becpas.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/04_05_16_122463607_ITB_560x292.jpg)

# Filing for an extension isn’t without perils

 Published by [ Laura Sprouse ](https://blog.becpas.com/author/laura-sprouse) on  Apr 5, 2016 1:37:42 PM

Yes, the federal income tax filing deadline is slightly later than usual this year — April 18 — but it’s now nearly upon us. So, if you haven’t filed your return yet, you may be thinking about an extension.

**Extension deadlines**

Filing for an extension allows you to delay filing your return until the applicable extension deadline:

- Individuals — October 17, 2016
- Trusts and estates — September 15, 2016

**The perils**

While filing for an extension can provide relief from April 18 deadline stress, it’s important to consider the perils:

- If you expect to owe tax, keep in mind that, to avoid potential interest and penalties, you still must (with a few exceptions) pay any tax due by April 18.
- If you expect a refund, remember that you’re simply extending the amount of time your money is in the government’s pockets rather than your own.

**A tax-smart move?**

Filing for an extension can still be tax-smart if you’re missing critical documents or you face unexpected life events that prevent you from devoting sufficient time to your return right now. Please contact us if you need help or have questions about avoiding interest and penalties.

[Back to Blog](https://blog.becpas.com)

## Related Articles

<https://blog.becpas.com/havent-filed-your-2017-income-tax-return-yet-beware-of-these-pitfalls>

## [Haven’t Filed Your 2017 Income Tax Return Yet? Beware Of These Pitfalls](https://blog.becpas.com/havent-filed-your-2017-income-tax-return-yet-beware-of-these-pitfalls)

 The federal income tax filing deadline is slightly later than usual this year — April 17 — but it’s...

[Read More ](https://blog.becpas.com/havent-filed-your-2017-income-tax-return-yet-beware-of-these-pitfalls)

<https://blog.becpas.com/help-prevent-tax-identity-theft-filing-early>

## [Help Prevent Tax Identity Theft By Filing Early](https://blog.becpas.com/help-prevent-tax-identity-theft-filing-early)

 If you’re like many Americans, you might not start thinking about filing your tax return until...

[Read More ](https://blog.becpas.com/help-prevent-tax-identity-theft-filing-early)

<https://blog.becpas.com/paycheck-protection-program-ppp-application-deadline-extended>

## [Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application Deadline Extended](https://blog.becpas.com/paycheck-protection-program-ppp-application-deadline-extended)

 President Biden has signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021. The new law extends the Paycheck...

[Read More ](https://blog.becpas.com/paycheck-protection-program-ppp-application-deadline-extended)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Laura Sprouse",
    "url" : "https://blog.becpas.com/author/laura-sprouse"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2021-06-01T21:25:16.653Z",
  "datePublished" : "2016-04-05T17:37:42.000Z",
  "headline" : "Filing for an extension isn’t without perils - Brown Edwards",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.becpas.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/04_05_16_122463607_ITB_560x292.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.becpas.com/filing-for-an-extension-isnt-without-perils",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.becpas.com/hubfs/2021%20BE-Logo-4color-oldgold-3.png"
    },
    "name" : "Brown Edwards & Company, LLP"
  }
}
```