LAC 61:III.2501 — Individual Income Tax Filing Extensions

A. Pursuant to R.S. 47:103(D), the secretary may grant a reasonable extension of time to file a state income tax return, not to exceed six months from the date the return is due.
1. To obtain a filing extension, the taxpayer must make the request on or before the tax return's due date.
2. A taxpayer may request a state filing extension by submitting one of the following:
a. a paper Louisiana Department of Revenue form requesting a filing extension;
b. a paper copy of the taxpayer’s Internal Revenue Service form requesting an extension to file a federal income tax return for the same taxable period; or
c. an electronic application.
3. An electronic application may be submitted by:
a. the Department of Revenue's web site;
b. tax preparation software; or
c. any other electronic method authorized by the secretary.
B. For taxable periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022, the secretary shall grant an automatic extension of time to file a state income tax return, not to exceed six months from the date the return is due, with no extension request required.
C. Filing Extension Does Not Extend Time to Pay Tax
1. A filing extension granted by the secretary only allows for an extension of time to file the tax return. The extension does not allow an extension of time to pay the tax due.
2. To avoid interest and penalty assessments, estimated taxes due must be paid on or before the original due date.
D. For taxable periods prior to January 1, 2022 a tax preparer subject to the electronic filing mandate under LAC 61:III.1501.B must file an electronic application for a state filing extension for individual income taxes.
E. Failure to file the return by the extended due date shall result in the extension being null and void and shall result in delinquent filing penalties being assessed from the original due date.