EXTENSIONS

[GeorgeM]

i tried to e-file an extension, but all it allowed me to do was print the extensions.

 

I call ATX and got someone who said I had to go to ATXinc.com and it would take 20 steps to e-file extensions.   ?????????????????????

 

I thought we could e-file extensions from the program?

 

does anyone have any information on this?

[TaxmannEA]

Did you fill out the E-File information on the 4868 tab? It's separate from the e-file for the return.

[GeorgeM]

yes

[Abby Normal]

We've been efiling all our extensions. The batch add extension feature stupidly prints all the extensions and takes so long you might as well add them all manually, especially since you have to open the client to dot all the i's and cross all the t's and create the efile.

 

I'll have to submit my idea to ATX for a batch way to create federal extension efiles based on last year's tax.

[Jack from Ohio]

I/we efile ALL extensions.  An e-file acknowledgment is the ONLY proof of filing that will appease the IRS.  Not even certified mailing.  We also require a written request from any client that calls and asks for us to file an extension.  This is a zero tolerance policy so a client cannot say... "I called and told you to file an extension."

[Abby Normal]

We even efile extensions for people we have not heard from and are not sure they're coming back. We've had people show up later in the year and I wouldn't want them to have to pay late filing penalties because I didn't file an extension for them.

[Lion EA]

Most of my clients request extensions.  Often by telephone or by an email that I used to delete after e-filing extensions.  Now, I'm starting to save those emails.  If a client left a voice mail, I'm not taking the time to get back to them (but maybe I'll start).  But, if I take a call, I've started asking them to email me their request.  (I do have some clients that will not work via email, though.)  I have not taken the time to contact clients that haven't showed up yet and probably need extensions.  (Yeah, if I had an assistant, I could have her do that for me.)

 

But, like Mr. Davis, I'd rather e-file an extension just in case than have a client come in later to file and not have an extension.  Every once in a while (maybe twice in all my years preparing taxes), I've had an extension reject because the client already filed their return or an extension, on their own or with a new preparer.  But, very often, clients contact me after tax season saying, "You filed extensions for me, right?"

[Randall]

We even efile extensions for people we have not heard from and are not sure they're coming back. We've had people show up later in the year and I wouldn't want them to have to pay late filing penalties because I didn't file an extension for them.

 

I do this too.

[jklcpa]

What numbers do you put on those extensions?

[Lee B]

We even efile extensions for people we have not heard from and are not sure they're coming back. We've had people show up later in the year and I wouldn't want them to have to pay late filing penalties because I didn't file an extension for them.

 

I really have mixed feeling about doing this, because when I have been the new accountant, it sure creates

 

confusion when your extension is rejected. Plus you have no proof of the extension being filed. Also," What

 

numbers do you put on those extensions?" Actually I don't file any extensions unless the client and I have

 

communicated.

Edited April 14, 2015 by cbslee

[jklcpa]

I agree with you, cbslee.

[B. Jani]

I never file extension for the current client unless they send me email or fax me request.