CTEC, the California Tax Education Council, released a press release reminding taxpayers of the automatic extension available (Form 4868). The press release noted that the extension, which is an extension of time to file, not pay, is for four months.
Well, that used to be correct.
This year the automatic extension is for six months, a rare case where the IRS is matching how California has handled extensions.
Somehow it seems appropriate that the agency that regulates some California tax preparers (CTEC regulates all preparers in California except EAs, CPAs, and attorneys) isn’t aware of the rules.