Form IT-303 at a glance
What it is: Georgia Department of Revenue: Application for Extension of Time for Filing State Income Tax Returns.
Who signs: The TAXPAYER OR AUTHORIZED AGENT signs, with the DATE.
A filled-in Form IT-303 example: a Georgia individual asks for more time
How to fill out Form IT-303, box by box
Your name, number and address
In SECTION 1, enter the NAME, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR FEIN, ADDRESS, CITY, STATE and ZIP CODE.
Taxpayer for whom extension is filed, if different
Enter the NAME OF TAXPAYER FOR WHOM EXTENSION IS FILED, IF DIFFERENT, with the ADDRESS, CITY, STATE and ZIP CODE.
Type of return, period ending and extension requested to
Application is hereby made for an extension of time for the following state tax return. Check the proper type of return: Individual--Form 500, Partnership--Form 700, Fiduciary--Form 501 (5 1/2 months only), Corporate Income Tax, Net Worth Tax (For Period Beginning) or Other. Fill in For Period Ending and Extension Requested To for that return.
Except as noted next, extensions are limited by law to six (6) months. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, a fiduciary will only be granted an extension up to 5 and one-half months. Beginning with tax periods on or after January 1, 2025, Corporations will have one additional month to file. Additional time to file, within the six month limit, will require the submission of a new form along with a copy of the first extension request.
7) Corporations filing consolidated returns must file a separate application for an extension of filing Net Worth Tax for each subsidiary on Form IT-303. Corporations not filing consolidated returns may request an extension for filing Income Tax and Net Worth Tax on the same form.
Reason for extension
Enter the REASON FOR EXTENSION.
1) Extensions of time for filing returns may be granted in sickness, absence, or other disability or whenever reasonable cause exists.
More rules for Form IT-303
A federal extension will be accepted as a Georgia extension if: (1) The return is received within the time as extended by the Internal Revenue Service, and (2) A copy of the federal extension(s) is attached to the return when filed.
Individuals and Fiduciaries should remit payment due on Form IT-560. Corporations and Partnerships should remit payment on Form IT-560C. Composite tax should be remitted on Form IT-560C.
3) One copy of the extension must be attached to the completed return when filed. Retain the other copy for your records.
The Georgia Department of Revenue will notify you only if your extension request is denied.
4) Separate applications for extension must be submitted for husband and wife if seperate returns are filed.
5) An extension request will not be accepted by telephone. Lists are not acceptable. Application must be made on this form, unless a copy of an approved federal extension is attached to your Georgia return when filed. If applicable, explain why it was not necessary to request a federal filing extension.
Interest accruing for months beginning before July 1, 2016, accrues at the rate of 12 percent annually. Interest that accrues for months beginning on or after July 1, 2016 accrues as provided by Georgia Code Sections 48-7-81 and 48-13-79. Returns filed after the due date prescribed by law will be assessed a penalty at a rate of 5% per month computed on the tax not paid by the original due date. Late payment penalty will be assessed at a rate of 1/2 of 1% per month if tax due on the return is not paid by the date prescribed by law. Late payment penalty accrues regardless of an approved extension request.
Remitting payment with Form IT-560 or IT-560C will not extend the due date for filing your return. For filing a Net Worth Tax Return after the date prescribed by law, there shall be assessed a penalty amounting to 10% of the tax shown to be due. For failure to pay tax within the time prescribed by law, there shall be due an additional penalty amounting to 10% of the tax shown to be due.
Common questions about Form IT-303
What is the downside to filing a tax extension?
There is no extension for payment of tax. Income Tax or Corporate Net Worh Tax must be paid by the prescribed due date to avoid the assessment of late payment penalties and interest.
Who signs it?
The TAXPAYER OR AUTHORIZED AGENT signs, with the DATE. If signed by an agent, enter the AGENT'S FIRM OR TRADE NAME.
Is there a deadline?
Mail the original prior to the return due date and keep 2 copies.
Where do I file it?
2) This form must be completed in triplicate. Mail the original form prior to the return due date to: Georgia Department of Revenue, Processing Center, P.O. Box 740320, Atlanta, GA 30374-0320.
What am I certifying when I sign?
I AFFIRM THAT THE INFORMATION IS, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, TRUE AND ACCURATE. THIS AFFIRMATION IS MADE UNDER THE PENALTIES PRESCRIBED BY LAW.
When is this form not the right one?
This is not a payment form! Remit payment on Form IT-560 or IT-560C.
Sources
[1] Form IT-303 (Rev. 06/07/24), Application for Extension of Time for Filing State Income Tax Returns, Georgia Department of Revenue (the Official source link on this page).