The deadline to file a tax extension for your therapy practice is the same as the due date for your tax return. It differs according to whether your practice is a sole proprietorship (or disregarded entity) or an S corporation.

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Factors like incomplete bookkeeping, lack of documentation for deductions, missing forms, and time constraints may indicate that it’s a good idea to file for an extension and avoid late filing penalties. 

When should you file a tax extension for your sole prop therapy practice?

The deadline to file a tax extension for your sole prop therapy practice is April 15th. This also applies to limited liability companies (LLCs) or professional liability companies (PLLCs) electing to be taxed as disregarded entities.

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If the 15th falls on a weekend or a holiday, the deadline moves forward to the next business day.

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These are the sole prop tax extension deadlines for the tax years 2025 to 2030.

When should you file a tax extension for your S corp therapy practice?

The deadline to file a tax extension for your S corp therapy practice is March 15th. This also applies to partnerships.

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As with sole prop tax extensions, if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves ahead to the next business day.

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These are the S corp tax extension deadlines for the tax years 2025 to 2030:

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How long do you have to file your taxes after filing for an extension?

After your tax extension is approved, you have up to six months from the original due date to file your taxes.

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• Sole props and disregarded entities have until October 15th (or the next business day)
• S corps and partnerships have until September 15th (or the next business day)

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When are tax payments due if you file for an extension?

An extension to file your taxes is not an extension to pay them. The due date for payment is the same as the due date to file them:

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• Sole props and disregarded entities must pay by April 15th (or the next business day)
• S corps and partnerships must pay by March 15th (or the next business day)

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If you pay in quarterly installments, your Q4 payment is due on January 15th, regardless of your business entity. 

Who should request a tax extension?

You should file for a tax extension as soon as it seems unlikely that you will meet your regular tax filing deadline. That could be as early as January 1st.

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Even if you do manage to file your taxes before the April 15th or March 15th deadline, if you have been approved for an extension then you are guaranteed not to be charged late filing penalties before the extended deadline. That benefits not only your finances but your peace of mind.

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Some signs that may indicate you should file an extension for your private practice:

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• Incomplete bookkeeping. You need a set of year-end financial statements in order to file your taxes. If you’re behind on bookkeeping, you won’t have the information you need to file.
• Lack of deduction documentation. You should have proof of purchases kept on file to support all deductions you claim. If you’re still tracking down receipts when the deadline arrives, you may not be prepared to file.
• Missing documents. You may be relying on forms like 1099-NEC or 1099-K to figure your income for the year. If contract clients or other third parties haven’t furnished them on time, you can request an extension to file.  
• Time constraints. Depending on your workload, you may simply lack the time you need to get your tax return in order. If that’s the case, there’s no shame in requesting an extension.

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For a comprehensive guide, check out What Therapists Need to Know About Tax Extensions.

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This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. ‍

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‍Bryce Warnes is a West Coast writer specializing in small business finances.

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