How Do I File for an Extension?

federal tax return

From individuals and families to non-profits and government contractors, tax season seems to appear faster and faster each year. An extension of time to file gives you more time to prepare your federal tax return.

Although you may request up to an additional six months to file your individual income tax return, this does not grant you any extension of time to pay your taxes. It is also essential that you apply for an extension no later than the regular due date of your return.

Here are three ways you can request an extension:

1. E-file Your Extension Request 

Regardless of your income, individual tax filers can submit their Extension Request with the assistance of a tax professional who uses e-filing. Keep the electronic acknowledgement that the IRS has accepted your filing for your records.

2. Make a Payment and Get an Extension

Another way to get an extension is to pay all or part of your estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension. Use IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS: The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or your credit or debit card. The confirmation number you receive for your records means that you do not have to fill out a separate extension form.

At Georgen Scarborough Associates, PC we have never wavered from our commitment to give each client the personal attention they deserve. For more information on how to apply for a tax return extension, please contact us today. Our tax preparation experts are ready to assist you with tax returns for individuals and small businesses.

What Tax Bracket Am I In?

federal income tax brackets

Did you know that there are a whopping seven different federal income tax brackets and that each one has its own marginal tax rate?

Determining which tax bracket you are in is dependent on your 2020 taxable income and your filing status, i.e. Single Filer, Married Couples Filing Jointly or Separately, Head-of-Household Filer.

Tax Bracket Table 

The table below refers to the 2020 tax brackets:

  Taxable Income in US$
Tax Rate Single Married Filing Jointly Married Filing Separately Head of Household
10% Up to $9,875 Up to $19,750 Up to $9,875 Up to $14,100
12% 9,876 – 40,125 19,751 to 80,250 9,876 to 40,125 14,101 to 53,700
22% 40,126 – 85,525 80,251 – 171,050 40,126 – 85,525 53,701 – 85,500
24% 85,526 – 163,300 171,051 – 326,600 85,526 – 163,300 85,501 – 163,300
32% 163,301 – 207,350 326,601 – 414,700 163,301 – 207,350 163,301 – 207,350
35% 207,351 – 518,400 414,701 – 622,050 207,351 – 311,02 207,351 – 518,400
37% Over $518,400 Over $622,050 Over $311,025 Over $518,400

It’s Not as Bad as It Seems 

Before you calculate the appropriate percentage of your income – take note that it is not a straightforward flat rate, which works in your favor.

For example, a single person with a 2020 taxable income of $100,000 does not pay ($100,000 x 24% =) $24,000. Rather, the taxable income is broken down into the applicable tax brackets that would have applied as your income accumulated:

The first $9,875 of your income is taxed at the 10% rate = $988.

Next you work out the difference between the top figures in the following rates. In this case, $40,125 – $9,875 = $30,250. That amount falls into the 12% rate, totaling ($30,250 x 12% =) $3,630.

Keep going: $85,525 – $40,126 = $45,400. That amount falls into the 22% rate, totaling ($45,400 x 22% =) $9,988. The final step is: the difference between your total income and the bracket maximum, i.e. $100,000 – $85,525 = $14,475. Only that amount will be taxed at the 24% rate = $3,474.

Add up all the tax amounts ($988 + $3,630 + $9,988 + $3,474) and your total due is $18,080. ($5,920 less that a flat rate of $24,000)

If you are still confused about which tax bracket you are in, or for any other tax tips, visit our website or contact the tax experts at Georgen Scarborough today.