tax tips for tax year 2008
Extensions to File
Taxpayers generally must file a 2008 tax return by April 15, 2009.
U.S. citizens and residents with tax homes outside of the United States on April 15, 2009, however, are automatically granted a two-month extension to June 15, 2009 to file a tax return. Any tax due though must be paid by April 15, 2009 (or earlier if you are subject to estimated tax) in order to avoid penalties and interest.
To file a later return, taxpayers may request a filing extension to October 15, 2009 by filing Form 4868 before the normal return due date. Those taxpayers living abroad who need an extension to qualify for the bona fide residence test or physical presence test in order to be eligible for a foreign-earned income exclusion on Form 2555, however, should request a filing extension using Form 2350 by the normal due date of their return. With either extension, note that any tax owing must be paid by April 15, 2009 to avoid interest and penalties.