Extended deadline nears for filing income tax returns

BOISE — Taxpayers who qualified for an automatic extension to file must send in their returns and full payment by Oct. 15, the Idaho State Tax Commission said earlier this week.

Idaho law allows taxpayers to avoid a penalty for filing a late return by having an extension. However, 6% interest is still owed on any income tax due that wasn't paid by the original due date of April 15.

"Your tax payment is due when you file the return, regardless of the extension," the agency said in a press release. 

Income tax returns may be filed electronically, and taxpayers may qualify to prepare and file online for free. To learn more, visit "E-File Income Taxes for Free" on the Tax Commission home page, tax.idaho.gov.

Taxes can also be paid electronically through tax.idaho.gov/epay. The free "Quick Pay" option allows users to make a payment without creating an account.