Filed extension for 2015. Will need to file exextention for 2016

[stealthbunny]

Moved in 2015, all records in storage while in temporary address with no secure online access. Filed for 2015 extension, estimated no taxes due, 1040 self-employed w/ deductions.

Never was able to file that report, was in hospital with three major surgeries. Still in temporary housing with insecure online access. No chance of that changing before deadline for 2016. Would be 1040ez, disabled no other income than SSDI. Can I file for another extension, even though 2015 taxes not yet filed? Need advice, please?

[AnthonyC · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can still file an extension for 2016 even without having filed 2015 return.  However, note that an extension does not give you an extension of time to pay your taxes - just time to file and your 2015 extension would have already expired.  If you did owe taxes for 2015, then you would be looking at penalties and interest for 2015.

For 2016, it appears you would not likely owe taxes, so an extension would be more of a formality as penalties for not filing are only based of taxes due.  So, if you don't owe taxes, then you are not penalized for filing late.

[stealthbunny]

Thank you. I had extremely little selfemployment income that year, so I'm not overly worried about taxes owed, but there may be deductions from moving and I can't access my records. And I lived in two states that year, too. Thanks again!