How to File a 2011 Tax Extension for Free

The April 18th 2011 tax filing deadline is fast approaching, and if you still need more time to file your 2010 taxes, the good news is you can get an automatic tax extension - giving you until October 17, 2011 to file your Federal income taxes.  Then, you can relax knowing you have six more months to prepare your 2010 tax return.

But hurry, while the normal tax filing deadline is April 18th, the deadline to file a request for a tax extension is April 15th!

Also remember, while you can get an automatic extension of the deadline to file your taxes, penalties and interest will continue accruing if you owe taxes.

Here’s how to file a 2011 tax extension, fast & easy…

There’s no need to fill out any complicated forms to get a tax extension – the leading online tax filing sites and tax preparation programs will do it for you.

In fact, TurboTax (the most-popular and most-comprehensive tax software) lets you file a Federal tax extension for free (normally $9.95).  And, when you’re ready to prepare your 2010 taxes, their Federal Free Edition lets you file basic returns for free (state e-file fees are $27.95 to $36.95 extra).  If your tax situation is more complex (you have dependents, bought/own a home, own a business, made charitable donations, etc.) you’ll need one of their their Deluxe, Premier or Business packages, which range from $29.95 to $129.95.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one tax filing software/service with no hidden fees and lots of guidance, you can’t go wrong with TaxAct.  You can prepare simple and complex returns for free (state e-file extra) – including filing a free tax extension.  Or, for one flat rate of $17.95, you can get their Ultimate Bundle which includes free email & audit support, tons of calculators, step-by-step tax guides and more.  I filed my 2010 taxes with TaxAct’s Ultimate Bundle, and it alerted me about extra deductions I would’ve otherwise missed without the added guidance.

If you need more time to file, don’t wait another minute…  Use one of the leading tax services now to file a free 2011 tax extension in minutes, and give yourself six more months to file your taxes.