HONOLULU (KHON2) — Most people in the United States must file their federal taxes by April 15, unless it’s a weekend or holiday. But some people get extra time automatically, without needing to ask the Internal Revenue Service or fill out special forms.
If you’re in one of the three groups below, you may qualify for more time to file and pay your taxes without penalties or extra fees.
This is what KHON2.com found.
1. People in disaster areas
If a natural disaster like a hurricane, wildfire or flood hits your area and it’s declared a federal disaster by FEMA, then the IRS may give you extra time to file and pay.
This applies to:
- People who live in the disaster zone.
- Businesses in the area.
- People whose tax records are kept there.
- Relief workers helping with the disaster.
You don’t need to do anything special. The IRS uses your last tax return to see if you qualify. The extra time usually lasts at least 60 days, but it depends on how serious the disaster is.
This relief often covers more than just tax returns. It can also include payroll taxes, estimated tax payments and even retirement account contributions.
To see if your area qualifies, go to the IRS Disaster Relief section online.
2. U.S. citizens and residents living abroad
If you live and work outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico, you automatically get two more months to file your federal taxes. That means your new deadline is June 15 instead of April 15.
To get this extension, you must:
- Live and work outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
- Attach a statement to your tax return explaining your situation.
Even though you get more time to file, interest still adds up on any unpaid taxes starting April 15. To avoid extra charges, try to pay what you owe by that date.
If you need more time beyond June 15, you can ask for an extension to October 15 by filing Form 4868.
This rule also applies to military or civilian workers who are stationed overseas.
3. U.S. Military serving in combat zones
If you’re in the U.S. military and serving in a combat zone, you also get at least 180 days after leaving the combat area to file. The IRS gives this time to help service members focus on their missions.
This extension covers:
- Filing taxes.
- Paying taxes.
- Answering IRS letters.
- Submitting other important forms.
You don’t need to do anything to get this help. The IRS gets deployment info from the Department of Defense. But it’s still a good idea to tell your tax preparer if you’re deployed.
You can click here to read more on the IRS website.
While most people must file by April 15, those dealing with natural disasters, living overseas or serving in the military may get extra time automatically and without penalties.
Even if you’re not in a combat zone, but are serving outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico, you get the same two-month extension as civilians living abroad.