How Tax Extensions Work (and Why Uploading Documents as You Receive Them Matters)

One of the best ways to keep your tax return on track — especially if you may need an extension — is to upload your tax documents into the MGA Client Portal as soon as you receive them.

To help, we put together a quick video that explains the extension process for individual tax returns and trust returns, and why uploading documents early makes such a difference.

Extensions Give You More Time to File, Not More Time to Pay

If your return isn’t ready to be filed by the April 15 deadline, we will file an extension on your behalf. An extension gives additional time to file your return, but it’s important to know it does not extend the time to pay. So even if the return is filed later, the IRS still expects payment by April 15 based on the best estimate available, which is why receiving your tax documents early makes such a difference.

Uploading Your Tax Documents Early = A More Accurate Extension

To calculate an accurate extension payment, we need enough information to estimate what you may owe.

Bottom line: the sooner we have your documents, the more accurate we can be when estimating any extension payment, and the smoother the extension process will be overall.

Most Tax Documents Arrive by Mid-February

Here’s a quick overview of common tax documents and when they typically arrive:

The main takeaway is that most of these documents are received by the middle of February, and many clients already have most of them. That’s why uploading as you receive them is so helpful.

Where to Upload Your Tax Documents

Please use your Document Request List on your MGA Client Portal to upload your tax documents as they become available. This is a list that shows everything our team needs from you to complete your return.

As soon as you receive something, upload it into your portal, even if you’re still waiting on other items.

Start Uploading Now, Even If You’re Still Waiting on Items

Whether your return is filed by April 15 or later in the year, we ultimately need the same set of documents.

Uploading documents as they come in helps us:

• File a more accurate extension
• Reduce back-and-forth later
• Avoid a last-minute scramble months down the road

If You Receive a Reminder, Here’s Why

You may also receive reminders through the portal if documents are still missing. These reminders are simply there to help keep things on track. Uploading documents as they come in (while they’re still easy to find!) helps us provide better estimates and reduces follow-up later in the year.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email or phone. Your team at MGA is here to make the extension process as smooth as possible.