Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The first extension is pretty much automatic if you request it. Do you expect to owe?

Yes. Unexpected cap gains.

Then, yes, you'll need to pay what you expect to owe by April 15th. The only other way to avoid a penalty is if you already withheld at least 10% more than the total you owed for 2012.

Anonymous wrote:The first extension is pretty much automatic if you request it. Do you expect to owe?

Yes. Unexpected cap gains.

The first extension is pretty much automatic if you request it. Do you expect to owe?

Fewer audits of those who file extensions compared to the April 15th crowd.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I just think it's bad to pay for your taxes late? And my situation last year was different, it's not like it's the same as similar years so I think it is not obvious how much I owe.

You aren't paying your taxes late. You have to pay them on April 15, or at least what you think you will owe. You can file the return later.

But how do you figure out what you think you will owe without actually doing the calculations and the work?

Use the safe harbor rules. Your accountant can help with that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I just think it's bad to pay for your taxes late? And my situation last year was different, it's not like it's the same as similar years so I think it is not obvious how much I owe.

You aren't paying your taxes late. You have to pay them on April 15, or at least what you think you will owe. You can file the return later.

But how do you figure out what you think you will owe without actually doing the calculations and the work?

I think it's reasonable to think that some people with complicated taxes are not going to have them filed by April 15-- otherwise you are saying pretty much every client has to get done in that 4 week window.

Anonymous wrote:I guess I just think it's bad to pay for your taxes late? And my situation last year was different, it's not like it's the same as similar years so I think it is not obvious how much I owe.

You aren't paying your taxes late. You have to pay them on April 15, or at least what you think you will owe. You can file the return later.

I guess I just think it's bad to pay for your taxes late? And my situation last year was different, it's not like it's the same as similar years so I think it is not obvious how much I owe.

what's the big deal if they're late? you pay the check of estimated tax if you think you owe (not hard to do if you've had roughly similar income in any past year) and file a 2 line extension form.

Anonymous wrote:Ours says if you get them the stuff by March 15 then they will make every effort to file by April 15. We haven't had to do an extension yet, although have been close. Ours also recommends getting them the bulk of the stuff earlier and follow up with any late statements. We didn't do that. While it is certainly reasonable to expect that they will be done by April 15 you also have to keep in mind that every one of their clients wants their taxes done in the same month.

I think it's probably tough to switch gears for this year but maybe switch next year if you aren't getting the service you want.

+1 Mine says the same - get the information to him by March 15th and he will get them done.

Ours says if you get them the stuff by March 15 then they will make every effort to file by April 15. We haven't had to do an extension yet, although have been close. Ours also recommends getting them the bulk of the stuff earlier and follow up with any late statements. We didn't do that. While it is certainly reasonable to expect that they will be done by April 15 you also have to keep in mind that every one of their clients wants their taxes done in the same month.

I think it's probably tough to switch gears for this year but maybe switch next year if you aren't getting the service you want.

I got my accountant all of my info on March 10. Unfortunately, I have to wait till then because my investment account doesn't send my tax info till then.

I followed up to confirm he had received them and repeating that I wanted to file them on time this year. He said he had received them and would "try to" file them on time.

Filing them myself is not an option - too complicated this year. I am concerned it is too late to find another accountant. I followed up and said "I want to file them on time, do you think you will be able to" and haven't heard back but it's only been a few hours.

Is it normal to file taxes late? I gave him the info nearly five weeks in advance, as soon as I could. I definitely owe taxes this year. I just think if you are paying someone, shouldn't they get it done in time?

Insights? Accountant suggestions?