Form 7004: How to File and Extension for Your Small Business Tax Return

There are a number of reasons you may need to request a business tax extension with IRS Form 7004. Maybe you’re swamped with running your business during tax season and need additional time. Or perhaps you don’t have all the documents you need when your original due date arrives. Whatever your reason, a business tax extension can give you the extra time you’re looking for. Learn more about filing a business tax extension and the steps required to request a six-month extension with these IRS Form 7004 instructions.

Small Business Tax Extensions 101

To file a business tax extension, use Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns.

As the name implies, IRS Form 7004 is used by various types of businesses to extend the filing deadline on their income tax return. This form differs from the individual extension form, filed using federal Form 4868. Many states require you to file a state tax extension AND a federal extension. Look up your state to determine the rules.

This form spans a variety of tax returns and gives you extra time – up to six months after the usual tax deadline – to file your business federal income taxes. There are significant consequences to your small business not paying taxes. Make sure you understand Form 7004 to give yourself extra tax filing time.

Note that filing Form 7004 for a business extension only gives you more time to file, not to pay. Even with an extension request, you should estimate how much you owe and send that amount to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by the return’s original due date to avoid a failure-to-pay penalty.

Who is eligible for an IRS Form 7004 extension?

Most types of business entities can use Form 7004. The following entities can use this form to request a tax extension:

• C corporations
• S corporations
• Partnerships
• Multiple-member LLCs filing as partnerships

Can you e-file Form 7004?

Yes, you can e-file Form 7004. You can also download an interactive version of the tax form on the IRS website to fill out, print, and file.

Don’t want to file Form 7004 for a small business tax return extension on your own? A Block Advisors certified small business tax pro can help you file your extension using this federal form. Then, we’ll help you get your business tax return across the finish line.

Form 7004 instructions

Thankfully, this fairly short form requires only a handful of key details. Here are the general Form 7004 instructions so you can gauge what information is needed:

At the top of Form 7004, print or type your:

• Name
• Address
• Identifying number (Employer Identification Number or Social Security number)

Part I — Automatic Extension for Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns

Enter the form code on line 1 based on the type of business tax return you’re filing.

Part II — All Filers Must Complete This Part

Fill out lines 2 through 8 with the following information:

• Additional information about your business
• What calendar year you’re requesting an extension for
• Tentative total tax
• Total payments and credits
• Balance due

This form is only one page and doesn’t require your signature.

What is the Form 7004 filing deadline?

The Form 7004 deadline depends on your small business structure and the original due date for its tax return. Read on to see what applies to your situation:

Corporate income tax return extension deadlines

Corporations that use IRS Form 1120 to file annual federal taxes with a calendar year-end date of December 31 should file Form 7004 on or before the corporate tax deadline, generally April 15. With the six-month extension, your new due date will likely be October 15*. For fiscal year corporations, Form 7004 should be filed by the 15^th day of the fourth month after the corporation’s fiscal year ends.

Partnership and multi-member LLCs tax returns/ extension deadlines

The deadline to file an extension for a partnership or multiple-member LLC taxed as a partnership using Form 1065 is the 15^th day of the third month after the partnership’s fiscal year ends. For calendar year partnerships, this falls on March 15*. So, file Form 7004 on or before March 15. Partnerships and multi-member LLCs have six months to file their small business tax return, so the due date is September 15* for calendar year partnerships.

S Corporation tax return/ extension deadlines

S corporation tax returns and extension forms are due March 15* for calendar-year filers or by the 15^th day of the third month after the end of the year for fiscal-year filers. They’re filed on Form 1120-S. The deadline is September 15* for calendar year S corporations.

* or the next business day when the 15^th falls on a holiday or weekend.

More help with business extension Form 7004 and prepping for due dates

Whether you’re looking to file a small business tax extension with Form 7004 or need help with other small business tax forms, we’ve got your back! We’ve helped millions of small business owners and self-employed people do more of what they love by doing what we do best.

Our certified small business tax pros specialize in taxes. And we guarantee 100% accuracy in our taxes, bookkeeping, and payroll.

Make an appointment with a Block Advisors tax pro today.

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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. You may want to seek the advice of an attorney to evaluate all relevant considerations.