Can I appeal to file taxes in May this year?

Q: I have been out of the country for the past few months. Can I appeal to file taxes in May this year? —Kirti, Westford

The following answer was provided by Nick Puniello, CPA, Puniello & Company, PC.

A: You are allowed to file an application for an extension of time to file your income tax returns. The extension forms (IRS form 4868) and (MA form M-4868) must be signed and postmarked by April 15, 2004. If the extensions are approved the extended due date of the federal tax return is August 15, 2004 and the Massachusetts tax return is October 15, 2004. This is an extension of time to file the tax returns, not an extension of time to pay the tax. So, you must estimate any balance due with your income tax return and send it with the application for extension. For Massachusetts tax purposes, if you do not pay a minimum of 80% of your tax by April 15, 2004 the extension will be invalid.