Form 7004: How to Get a 6-Month Extension for Business Tax Returns

Form 7004 is your lifeline when you can't file your business tax return on time. It provides an automatic 6-month extension for most business return types.

What does "automatic" mean?

Unlike individual extensions (Form 4868) where the IRS might reject your request, Form 7004 extensions are automatic. If you file the form correctly and on time, your extension is granted. No explanation needed.

Which returns does Form 7004 cover?

• •Form 1120 (Corporation) — extends from April 15 to October 15
• •Form 1065 (Partnership) — extends from March 15 to September 15
• •Form 1120-S (S Corporation) — extends from March 15 to September 15
• •Form 1041 (Estate/Trust) — extends from April 15 to October 15
• •Several other business returns

How to fill it out

Form 7004 is refreshingly simple — just one page.

Line 1 — Entity information. Name, EIN, and address.

Line 2 — Form code. A two-digit code identifying which return you're extending. Common codes:

• •04 = Form 1065
• •12 = Form 1120
• •25 = Form 1120-S

Lines 3-4 — Tax year. The beginning and ending dates of the tax year you're extending.

Lines 5-8 — Tax estimate. Estimate your total tax liability, total payments/credits, and balance due. If you owe tax, pay with the extension to avoid interest and penalties.

Key rules

Extension of time to file ≠ extension of time to pay. Even with an extension, any tax owed is still due on the original deadline. Interest and penalties accrue on unpaid amounts from the original due date.

File before the original deadline. If your Form 1120 is due April 15, file Form 7004 by April 15. A late-filed extension is invalid.

One form per return. Each entity and each return type needs its own Form 7004.

When to use it

• •Your CPA needs more time to prepare the return
• •You're waiting for K-1s from other partnerships
• •Your books aren't closed yet
• •You simply need more time

There's no stigma in filing an extension. Millions of businesses do it every year. The IRS expects it.

Filing with UFF

Use UFF to quickly generate a completed Form 7004. Fill in the basic fields, generate the PDF, and fax or mail it to the IRS before your deadline.