| Being a member of the U.S. Military does not exempt | | | | If you are stationed outside of the U.S. or Puerto Rico |
| you from filing taxes, although it may make it a bit | | | | or are on a tour of duty abroad during the filing period, |
| more difficult to do so. If you are stationed abroad or | | | | you are automatically given an additional two months |
| away from your home base, the paperwork | | | | to file. You don't need to fill out any forms, just submit |
| requirements can get a little tricky. | | | | your income tax return, along with your payment by |
| Basically, if you are stationed within the United States | | | | June 15, instead of April 15. Be sure, however, to write |
| or Puerto Rico, you have the same right as a civilian | | | | "Taxpayer Abroad" at the top of your return and |
| taxpayer to file for a tax extension of six months. If | | | | attach a statement explaining your international posting. |
| you file the extension request by mail before April 15, | | | | Again, please note that all extensions are made for |
| any tax you owe must accompany the form. | | | | paperwork only. You must have a payment to the IRS |
| Remember that an income tax extension gives you | | | | by April 15 or June 15, or make arrangements to pay |
| the right to file your paperwork late. Nothing gives you | | | | before those deadlines. Otherwise, you will be charged |
| the right to pay late. If you pay your tax bill by credit | | | | interest and penalties for unpaid tax. |
| card or by authorizing an electronic withdrawal, you | | | | Where you send your income tax return depends |
| need not file the form at all. | | | | upon where you are posted. You must send your |
| While the IRS will not formally notify you of an | | | | return and payment to the IRS center that processes |
| acceptance of your extension, they will inform you if it | | | | returns for your posting. If you are in California, but |
| is rejected. One way to guarantee rejection is to file | | | | your permanent posting is in Texas, you send your |
| for the extension after April 15. | | | | return through California. |