A tax extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay.

Every April, people file an extension and relax. Then a bill for penalties and interest arrives in the summer. Here is what an extension does, and what it does not.

What an extension does

It moves the deadline for sending in your return from April to October. That is all. It is a good choice when you are missing a document or your situation is complicated and you want the return done properly.

What it does not do

It does not move the date your tax is due. Any tax you owe is still due in April, even with an extension.

What to do if you need one

• Estimate what you owe before the April deadline.
• Pay as much of it as you can with the extension request.
• File the full return as soon as your documents are ready. You do not have to wait until October.

Not sure what you owe? That is what we are here for. See the tax calendar for this year's dates.