Tax season is a stressful time for many, but it can be especially daunting for U.S. expats living abroad. Navigating the complexities of foreign income, tax treaties, and deadlines can be overwhelming. If you’re an expat stressing about the upcoming October 15 tax deadline, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help.

The purpose of this article is to simplify the process for you. We’ll provide a straightforward, step-by-step guide on how to prepare your own additional extension letter to the IRS, effectively extending your filing deadline for your federal tax return to December 15. And the best part? If you find yourself stuck or in need of professional guidance, our firm offers this service absolutely free of charge.

So, let’s dive in and demystify the process, shall we?

WHEN ARE TAXES DUE WITH AN EXTENSION?
The regular deadline for filing individual income tax returns for U.S. expats is June 15. However, if you file for an extension, you will have until October 15 to submit your tax return. Additionally, you can file for a second extension that will extend the deadline to December 15.

WHY IT MATTERS
Missing the October 15 deadline can result in a late filing penalty, which is separate from any late payment penalties that may have started accruing from the original April 15 payment deadline. Here’s what you need to know:

Late Filing Penalties: The IRS imposes a penalty for filing your federal income tax return after the October 15 deadline. This can be as much as 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.
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