If you want a general overview of what a tax extension is, what it does, and what it does not do, click HERE.
This post is more practical. It covers what current Senter CPA clients need to do now, and how non-clients can file an extension on their own.
First, let’s be clear
A tax extension gives you more time to file. It DOES NOT give you more time to pay.
For most taxpayers, federal and Michigan returns are due April 15, 2026. If you expect to owe, the payment should still be made by that date. Federal estimated payments for 2026 are generally due April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15, 2027. Michigan estimated payments generally follow the same schedule. If you need the IRS extension options, click HERE. If you need Michigan’s payment and eServices page, click HERE.
If you are a current Senter CPA client
If you want us to complete your return by April 15, please get your tax information to us by March 26.
That date gives us the best chance to complete your return on time. That said, filing season is busy, and some returns still need to be extended even when information comes in before that date. Missing items, late K-1s, corrections, and follow-up questions can all affect timing. If an extension is needed, we will handle that with you.
If your return needs to be extended, here is what we need from you
Please tell us how much you want to pay with your extension.
At this point in the season, we usually do not have time to project every client’s balance due from scratch unless the return is already substantially complete. The fastest way to get your extension filed on time is for you to tell us the amount you want to pay.
That amount can be:
- your best estimate of what you may owe
- the amount you are comfortable paying now
- an amount based on last year, if that is the best number you have
Why we may suggest paying extra with the extension
In many cases, we may suggest that you pay enough with the extension to cover not only your expected 2025 balance due, but also a little extra.
Why? Because if your final 2025 balance due ends up lower than expected, that overpayment can be applied to your 2026 first quarter estimate when the return is filed. This helps in two ways:
- it reduces the need for a separate first quarter estimated payment on April 15
- it creates a cushion if your original extension estimate was a little low
In other words, paying a bit more with the extension can simplify the April deadline and give you some margin for error.
If you do not expect to owe, that is fine. We can still file the extension with no balance due.
Federal and Michigan payments
If you expect to owe federal tax, Michigan tax, or both, please let us know the amount you want to pay for each.
Federal and Michigan are separate tax agencies, so payments are handled separately. If Michigan estimated payments apply, we will include those instructions as well. Michigan extension payments, if needed, are still due by April 15. If you want to review Michigan’s extension rules, click HERE. If you want Michigan’s online payment portal, click HERE.
If you are not a current Senter CPA client
You can absolutely file your own extension.
To file a federal extension
You have a few options:
- Pay online and indicate that the payment is for an extension. In many cases, that acts as your extension request and no separate Form 4868 is needed. Click HERE.
- File Form 4868 electronically through IRS Free File. Click HERE.
- File Form 4868 directly. Click HERE.
To handle Michigan
If you owe Michigan tax, you should also take care of the state side by April 15.
Michigan generally follows your federal extension for extra time to file, but any Michigan tax due still needs to be paid by the original deadline. If you need to make a Michigan extension payment online, click HERE. If you want Michigan Form 4 and instructions, click HERE.
If you are expecting a Michigan refund only, an extension is generally not necessary.
Summary
An extension is a normal part of tax filing. It is not a red flag, and it is not a problem. The goal is simple: file on time if possible, extend on time if needed, and make a reasonable payment by April 15.
If you are a current Senter CPA client and think you may need an extension, send us your information by March 26 if possible, and tell us what you want to pay with your federal and Michigan extension.
