Lahti, Lahti & O'Neill, P.C. Blog

By Michael T. Lahti

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has issued a technical information release announcing the expansion of its simplified process for tax return filing extensions.  This will include individuals, fiduciaries, partnerships, and estates, beginning with tax returns due on or after December 5, 2016.

The simplified process, which was previously implemented for corporate excise taxpayers, will now also apply to individuals, fiduciaries, and partnerships (“personal income taxpayers”) filing tax returns, and filers of estate tax returns, beginning with returns due on or after December 5, 2016. The process is being implemented by the Department of Revenue (“DOR”) in conjunction with the expansion of MassTaxConnect on December 5, 2016 to personal income taxpayers and estates.  (MassTaxConnect is a new electronic tax system that, among other features, allows taxpayers to manage their accounts, pay taxes, and communicate securely with DOR.)

Generally, personal income tax returns are due on or before April 15 each year, and estate tax returns are due 9 months after the date of the decedent’s death. Previously, to receive an extension of time to file a return, a personal income taxpayer was required to submit a formal request electronically or on paper or otherwise meet certain criteria.

Filers of estate tax returns were required to request an extension of time to file an estate tax return by filing Form M-4768. As of December 5, 2016, all personal income taxpayers and filers of estate tax returns will be automatically granted an extension of time to file their tax returns as long as they have paid at least 80% of the total amount of tax ultimately due on or before the date prescribed for payment of the tax.

Consistent with existing rules, a taxpayer meeting this payment requirement will be granted a 6-month extension to file the applicable return.  The extension will be considered void, however, if 80% of the total tax liability is not paid on or before the original due date of the return.  In addition, interest and penalties for late filing and late payment will apply. The 6-month extension will run from the original due date for filing the return.

It is important to note that this extension does not extend the due date for payment of any tax due. Interest will accrue from the original due date for filing a return on all amounts not paid by the due date, and on any amount assessed as a penalty.