do i need to file for an extension if i'm getting a refund?

hyperbling · Post by **hyperbling** » Wed Apr 11, 2012 1:34 pm

i've only seen penalties for filing late if you owe tax, but nothing if you're getting a refund.

my wife doesn't have a valid SSN, so she will need to apply for an ITIN through the W-7.

a couple questions...
1) if there's no penalty, should i still bother filing for an extension?
2) leave my spouse information blank, so that i can efile?
3) include my spouse information, and say 'applying for ITIN', and mail it in?

thanks!

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Wed Apr 11, 2012 1:51 pm

Unless you owe, you can be as late as you wish and do not have to fiel extesnion, but in order to get credit for timely filing of various forms and elections, be sure to file before the October 15 auto-extension deadline.

But you do not have to file for the extension.