TAP S05-046

The Extension Project

Statement of Issue:

It is a burden on taxpayers to submit multiple applications for extension to file income tax returns.

Proposal:

TAP Recommended revising Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension to File U.S> Individual Income Tax Return, and Form 7004, application for Automatic Extension of Time to file Corporation Income Tax return.

1. to create a uniform automatic six-month extension for all non-corporate taxpayers;
2. to remove the signature requirement and request for explanation on the extension forms; and
3. to decrease the number of forms by consolidating the two extension forms for individuals (Form 4863 and Form 2688) to one and combine four of the business extension forms into one, resulting in the consolidation of six of the current extension forms.

Response Notes: