April 15 Individual Filing Deadline – 5 Quick Reminders

The April 15 filing deadline for individual returns is upon us!  Here are 5 quick reminders:

1. Individuals must file and pay by April 15. 
2. Returns are timely filed if they are post-marked by April 15 or e-filed by midnight on April 15. 
3. When an e-filed individual return is rejected, there is a 5-day perfection period for correcting the return and getting it accepted.  The perfection period applies regardless of the date filed, due date, or extended due date, and it is never extended regardless of weekends or holidays.  
4. If the return is not ready to be filed, use Form 4868 to e-file (or mail) a request for automatic extension until October 15.  Extensions must be filed prior to midnight on April 15, and the e-file perfection period is 5 days.  The extension to file does not also extend the payment deadline. 
5. Payment can be made by mailing a check with Form 1040-V, or by electronic funds withdrawal (PMT screen in Drake).  The individual can also pay directly through the government’s EFTPS website, or by credit or debit card. 

As the deadline approaches, there may be e-file processing delays at IRS due to high volume.  We advise getting everything transmitted well before midnight on the 15^th.  Also, due dates, payment options and extension requirements vary from state to state.  In Drake Software, access the state FAQ screen from the state forms menu in Data Entry to learn more about each state’s due date, extension requirements and payment options.

Watch our short video on filing extensions in Drake Software.  For more details, read our blog, “April 15 Deadline is Approaching”.