Your Essential Guide to Filing a Pennsylvania State Tax Extension

Tax season is stressful enough, especially when you’re running out of time to meet filing deadlines. 

If you’ve already received a federal extension, you might wonder if you need to file a separate extension for Pennsylvania state taxes. 

In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know about filing a tax extension in Pennsylvania, including deadlines, payment requirements, and step-by-step instructions to ensure your extension is processed smoothly.

Do I Need to File a Separate Tax Extension for Pennsylvania If I Already Filed a Federal Tax Extension?

Yes, you need to file a separate tax extension for Pennsylvania state taxes.  

However, if you have an approved federal extension, you don’t need to file a separate state extension unless you want to.  

You’ll need to provide proof of the federal extension when filing your PA-40 return.  

When is the Deadline to File a Tax Extension for Pennsylvania?

The deadline to file a tax extension for Pennsylvania is April 15th, which aligns with the federal tax deadline. Tax payments are accepted until midnight on April 15th.

If I File a Tax Extension For Pennsylvania, When Is My New Deadline?

For PA-40 returns, if an extension is granted, the extension will generally be for 6 months, extending the deadline to October 15th.

Not Sure Where to Start? Let Us Help!

Get started filing your tax extension now to get an additional 6 months to file your federal tax return.

Steps to Ensure Your Pennsylvania Tax Extension is Processed Correctly

If You Owe Income Taxes and Need a Tax Extension

Taxes due must be paid by April 15th to avoid penalties. An extension does not extend your payment deadline. 

Online:

• Go to Visit myPATH
• Note: Electronic processing may not be available to first-time PA filers.

• Select Make a Payment

• Complete “How Would You like to Apply Your Payment" Section

• Account Type
• Payment Type = Extension Payment

• Fill out the remainder of your personal information and submit the form. 
• If you pay by credit card or ACH debit on or before April 15th, you can get an automatic 6-month extension without mailing REV-276. Visit the Revenue e-Services Center at www.revenue.pa.gov for more information.

By Mail:

• Pay by Check 
• Complete Form REV-276

• Mail Form, check, and extension Payment Voucher (bottom of the form) to the address listed on the form

If You Don't Owe Income Tax, But Need a Tax Extension for PA

Approved Federal Extension received: 

• The PA Department of Revenue will grant the same extension for filing the PA tax return. 

• No additional information is needed for the extension.

  • Taxpayers do not have to submit PA Form REV-276 or federal Form 4868.

Federal Approval has yet to be received:

• Complete Form REV-276 by April 15th and mail form to the address listed on the form.

Do I Need to Pay My State Taxes When I File a Tax Extension for Pennsylvania?

Yes, you must pay your estimated taxes by April 15th, even if you file for an extension. 

An extension to file is not an extension to pay. 

You should send a payment for the amount of tax you expect to owe to avoid penalties and interest.

What Are the Penalties for Filing My Taxes Late in Pennsylvania?

If you do not pay your taxes due by April 15th, you will be subject to a 5% underpayment penalty plus interest on the amount not paid by the original due date.

If you do not file your taxes by the April 15th deadline (and you do not request an extension), you'll incur a 5% penalty plus interest.

Late Filing Penalty:

• Calculate 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or a fraction of a month the return is late.
• The maximum penalty is 25% of the unpaid tax.
• Example: If you owe $1,000 and file 2 months late, the penalty would be $100 (5% x 2 months x $1,000).

Interest:

• Interest accrues on unpaid taxes from the original due date until the tax is paid in full.
• The interest rate can vary, so check the current rate with the PA Department of Revenue.
• Refer to the Penalty & Interest Calculator for Pennsylvania to help you calculate interest owed based on your criteria. 

How Do I Know Whether I Should File a Tax Extension for Pennsylvania?

You should consider filing a tax extension if you are unable to complete your Pennsylvania tax return by April 15th. 

This can help you avoid late-filing penalties. 

However, remember that you still need to pay any estimated taxes owed by the original deadline.

Is There Anything Else I Need to Know About Filing a Tax Extension for Pennsylvania?

• If you applied for a federal extension, attach a copy of Form 4868 to your Pennsylvania return.

• If filing an extension, make sure to pay any taxes owed by the April 15th deadline.

Work with Our Experts!

You may not need to file a tax extension for Pennsylvania, but if you want extra time to file your federal taxes, you'll need to file a federal tax extension request. We can help. Click here to get started.

Top Revenue Sources for the Pennsylvania Tax General Fund Growth

Total Revenue: 

The General Fund for Pennsylvania in the 2022-2023 fiscal year amounted to $44.9 billion, which is a significant sum for state operations.

Major Revenue Sources: 

The top three contributors to the General Fund were:

• Personal Income Tax: $17.6 billion (39.2% of total)

• Sales & Use Tax: $14.0 billion (31.2% of total)

• Corporate Tax: $8.3 billion (18.4% of total)

Income Tax Dominance: 

Personal Income Tax is the largest single source of revenue for Pennsylvania, accounting for nearly 40% of the total. This highlights the importance of individual taxpayers to the state's finances.

Comparison of PA General Fund Growth Fiscal Year 2022-23 vs. 2021-22

Overall Trend 

The General Fund decreased from $48.13 billion in FY 2021-22 to $44.92 billion in FY 2022-23, a decline of $3.22 billion or 6.7%. This is a significant year-over-year reduction.

The overall decline of 6.7% likely necessitated adjustments in state spending or financial planning.

Conclusion

Filing a Pennsylvania extension gives you the extra time to finish your tax return without the stress of an April 15th deadline. But remember, an extension to file does not mean an extension to pay. 

Make sure to pay your estimated taxes by April 15th to avoid penalties and interest. 

By following the steps in this guide, you can easily navigate the extension process.