Filing 1040 extension

Hi all,
So a couple questions, we aren’t going to meet the June 16 deadline to file, so thought we should file an extension, but we can’t find a way to file digitally with a UK phone number, has anyone figured this out?  Secondly, on the extension instructions it appears to suggest if you’ve paid estimated taxes you don’t need to file an extension? Have I understood that correctly? We have paid all our 2024 estimated taxes.
Thirdly, the reason we won’t file on time is our usual preparer had gone missing, which had thrown us into a bit of a tizz as he did both our UK and US taxes,so if anyone can recommend a dual qualified tax accountant we need a new one.  I can probably do our UK self assessments it I have to, but having someone who understands both tax codes and the treaty is invaluable I think.
Thanks.

The only time I filed for an extension I did so by mail, tracked letter through the Post Office. Since I had paid all my estimated taxes I was confident that I wouldn’t be penalized. I personally wouldn't risk not filing for an extension unless a tax pro comes along and says it is okay.

Hi all,
So a couple questions, we aren’t going to meet the June 16 deadline to file, so thought we should file an extension, but we can’t find a way to file digitally with a UK phone number, has anyone figured this out?  Secondly, on the extension instructions it appears to suggest if you’ve paid estimated taxes you don’t need to file an extension? Have I understood that correctly? We have paid all our 2024 estimated taxes.
Thirdly, the reason we won’t file on time is our usual preparer had gone missing, which had thrown us into a bit of a tizz as he did both our UK and US taxes,so if anyone can recommend a dual qualified tax accountant we need a new one.  I can probably do our UK self assessments it I have to, but having someone who understands both tax codes and the treaty is invaluable I think.
Thanks.

Our firm is fully dually US and UK qualified (and 90 years old this year). We'll be happy to help.

Hi all,
So a couple questions, we aren’t going to meet the June 16 deadline to file, so thought we should file an extension, but we can’t find a way to file digitally with a UK phone number, has anyone figured this out?  Secondly, on the extension instructions it appears to suggest if you’ve paid estimated taxes you don’t need to file an extension? Have I understood that correctly? We have paid all our 2024 estimated taxes.

Thirdly, the reason we won’t file on time is our usual preparer had gone missing, which had thrown us into a bit of a tizz as he did both our UK and US taxes,so if anyone can recommend a dual qualified tax accountant we need a new one.  I can probably do our UK self assessments it I have to, but having someone who understands both tax codes and the treaty is invaluable I think.
Thanks.

I am absolutely not a tax expert at all, but having looked at the tax forms, I think you are right. You can just send in your 1040 now and let the IRS figure your taxes for you in certain cases. Or you can file for the extension - if you've already given the IRS everything you will owe them, there should be no sort of penalties with the extension.

You definitely should do one or the other, though. If you don't file, the IRS may possibly file what’s known as a “substitute for return” on your behalf. They use third-party income information, such as W-2 tax forms and 1099 forms, to create the return, but the agency won’t include tax deductions and credits you may be entitled to.  You'd have 90 days to submit any past-due returns or file a petition with the U.S. Tax Court. If you don’t take any action within 90 days, the IRS will proceed according to the substitute and charge you for the tax shown there. It sounds like a whole lot of trouble, to me!

An extension sent by tracked mail seems the path of least-possible trouble. Good luck!


References:  https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc552
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p17
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505