This year, federal income tax returns are due by April 15 for most people. However, if you cannot file your return by the deadline for whatever reason, it's fairly easy to get the due date extended to October 15. All you have to do is request a tax extension by filing a simple IRS form or paying your taxes electronically. Make sure you act before the original tax deadline, though.
Since the process is relatively simple, the question often becomes "Should you get a tax extension?" There are both advantages and disadvantages to requesting an extension and pushing back your tax filing deadline. So, whether you should get an extension comes down to your situation and preferences. What makes sense for you? To help you answer that question, here are a few pros and cons of waiting to file your tax return.
