Filing an Extension for a Personal Tax Return? Don’t Forget the Estimated Payment
Filing a tax extension gives you more time to file your return - not more time to pay your taxes.
If you expect to owe, an estimated payment must be submitted by the original filing deadline (typically April 15) to minimize penalties and interest. Here’s what to know.
1) File an Extension
Contact dcdefrain@infinitywp.com, and we will take care of filing your extension.
2) determine if you need to pay
When you file an extension with the Internal Revenue Service, you receive an automatic six-month extension to file your return (new deadline is typically October 15).
However, if you owe taxes:
Interest begins accruing after the original filing deadline.
A failure-to-pay penalty will apply if you underpay.
Submitting a reasonable estimated payment helps minimize these costs.
3) Determine How Much to Pay
You should pay 100% of your 2025 tax bill.
If you’re unsure how much to send, we can help estimate a reasonable amount based on your prior return and current year income. It doesn’t need to be exact — just close enough to reduce potential penalties. Email dcdefrain@inifintywp.com for help.
4) Submit Your Federal Extension Payment
Pay Online (Recommended)
You can pay directly from your bank account using IRS Direct Pay.
Be sure to select “Extension” as the reason for payment.
Note: The IRS is discouraging check payments, and we have seen some checks be returned.We strongly recommend paying online. In our experience, mail processing delays and check fraud have become more common, and checks provide no immediate confirmation that the payment was received.
5) SUBMIT YOUR STATE(S) EXTENSION PAYMENT
Similar to federal taxes, nearly all states require payment of an estimated balance due by the original filing deadline.
If you live in:
Kansas: Pay through the Kansas Department of Revenue
Missouri: Pay through the Missouri Department of Revenue
For residents of other states, visit your state’s department of revenue website to find the official payment portal and filing instructions.
6) City Taxes Too?
If you live or work in Kansas City, Missouri, the city charges a 1% earnings tax. Most employees have the tax automatically withheld by their employer.
To confirm, look at your W-2:
Box 19: Local income tax withheld
Box 20: Locality name (often listed as Kansas City)
If Kansas City appears and tax was withheld, you’ve likely already paid it. If you still owe city tax, you can submit a payment through the Kansas City tax portal.
For other cities, search your city’s website for:
“YourCityName income tax” or “YourCityName earnings tax.” Many municipalities provide online payment portals.
Need Help?
If you’re planning to file an extension but aren’t sure how much to pay, we’re happy to help estimate a reasonable payment amount. Email dcdefrain@infinitywp.com for assistance.
Filing an extension is common — making a smart estimated payment is what helps protect you from unnecessary penalties.