Missed filing due to being hospitalized

[Btomassoni]

I was admitted to the hospital for an emergency related to pregnancy. I did not have access to my tax documents nor have a way to do my taxes as I have been in the hospital for over a week and will be here another 6wks. How can I ask the IRS and my state to waive penalties if I happen to owe this year?

[JulieS]

Yes, if you have an emergency situation that prevents you form filing on time and you owe, and are charged penalties and interest, you can request that the IRS and your state waive those penalties. 

To request your federal penalties be waived when you file your return:

1. Sign in to your TurboTax account.
2. Select Other Tax Situations.
3. Select Start or Edit to the right of Underpayment Penalties.
4. Answer the first several screens according to your situation.
5. When you get to Penalty Waivers, answer Yes. 
6. Answer Yes to You Can Request a Waiver.
7. Answer Waive all to Do You want to Reduce Your Penalty?
8. In the explanation box enter, a brief explanation of your emergency.
9. Continue through the end of the section. 

The procedure for asking for penalties to be waived for your state will depend on the state.