Do I need to ask IRS for a tax extension if I live in California? Your question answered

Brianna Taylor
Updated ·2 min read
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Most Californians have until October to file and pay their taxes.

A Sacramento Bee reader asked the service journalism team: Do I still need to file for an extension with the IRS?

Here’s what to know:

Do I need to file for a tax extension in California?

Short answer: No, not if you live in one of the counties covered by the federal emergency declaration.

The IRS said in its January announcement, that it “automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the disaster area.”

IRS says do this to get money back if you paid taxes on your California refund

If you do live in one of these areas and still get a penalty notice, call the number on the notice to have the penalty removed.

The Oct. 16 extension applies to both residents and businesses in all but three California counties. If you live in Modoc, Shasta or Lassen counties, you still need to adhere to the Tuesday, April 18 deadline.

The extension includes the following, according to the IRS:

  • Individuals whose tax returns and payments are due on April 18, 2023

  • Quarterly estimated tax payments due January 17, 2023, and April 18, 2023

  • Business entities whose tax returns and payments are due on March 15, 2023 and April 18, 2023

  • Farmers who normally file returns by March 1, 2023

What if I don’t live in one of the qualifying counties?

If you don’t qualify for the automatic extension, here’s what the IRS says to do:

According to the Internal Revenue Service, when you make an online payment and indicate it’s for an extension, the agency will count it as such. This means, there’s no need to file any extra documents.

Thousands of Californians could be eligible for 2019 tax refunds. Are you one of them?

Another option: Request an extension on the 4868 tax form using the IRS free file online tool.

Just be sure to pay taxes owed by the April due date. Those who request an extension on their 2022 tax return will have until Oct. 16 to file.

If you live or own a business outside the disaster area, but were affected by the storms, you can call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 to request relief.

Should I still file my taxes today?

The earlier you file the earlier you get your refund, even if you qualify for the automatic extension.

You could get your tax refund within 21 days, according to the IRS, if you do the following:

  • Electronically file your 2022 tax return

  • Request to receive your refund in a direct deposit

  • File your 2022 tax return with no errors or issues

Check the status of your refund 24 hours after electronically filing with your social security number, filing status and refund amount on your 2022 tax return.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.