Tax Extensions Explained: Filing, Paying, and Avoiding Surprises

MAR 25, 20264 MIN
Empowering Entrepreneurs

Tax Extensions Explained: Filing, Paying, and Avoiding Surprises

MAR 25, 20264 MIN

Description

Ever wondered what a tax extension actually means for your business? Here’s the scoop.Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, where Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about one of the most common questions during tax season—what does it really mean to file a tax extension?You'll learn about the essentials of tax extensions for individuals and businesses alike, clearing up common misconceptions about what an extension covers (hint: it’s not extra time to pay your taxes!).You'll learn why you might need an extension, the importance of proactive planning, how penalties and interest work, and what you need to know if you live in a state with additional filing requirements.Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just navigating your first tax filing, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith make complex rules easy to understand and share practical tips to help you stay ahead—while sharing a few lighthearted moments about wardrobe changes and coffee breaks!This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs and individuals navigating tax season:An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owe taxes, the payment is still due by April 15th. Paying late leads to penalties and interest.Extensions also apply to states and local taxes. While a federal extension often covers your state or city, sometimes a separate extension is needed. Check your specific requirements to avoid surprises.Proactive planning makes all the difference. Working with a tax professional throughout the year can help you estimate taxes due and prevent last-minute shocks from missing forms or unexpected income.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Glenn HarperMentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs PlusRunning a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus