INDIANA – The final date for Indiana residents who requested a tax filing extension is fast approaching. The deadline to file state individual income tax returns is November 17, and taxpayers are urged to complete their filings now to avoid steep financial penalties.
The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) automatically granted an extension of time to file state returns for any taxpayer who was given a federal extension (which was due on October 15). This automatic state extension pushes the final filing date to November 17.
Crucial Penalty Warning: It’s Not an Extension to Pay
State officials emphasize that while the extension provides additional time to file the paperwork, it does not extend the deadline for paying any tax owed.
To avoid a Late Payment Penalty, taxpayers must have met two key conditions:
- Paid at least 90% of their total tax liability by the original tax deadline (typically April 15).
- Pay the remaining balance in full by the November 17 extended due date.
Interest will be charged on all amounts paid after the original April due date, regardless of the extension.
Penalties for Missing the Deadline
Failure to file or pay the remaining balance by November 17 can trigger penalties from the DOR:
- Late Payment Penalty: If you still owe tax, a penalty of 10% of the unpaid tax due or a flat $5.00 (whichever is greater) may be assessed.
- Late Filing Penalty: For returns filed late with no balance due (or for certain other tax forms), a penalty of $10 per day the return is past due, up to a maximum of $250, can be imposed.
Taxpayers who have already been granted the extension are strongly advised to file their completed returns and pay any outstanding balance immediately to close out their tax year and prevent penalty accrual.
