Corporate extensions exempt from mandate

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation on January 1, 2013, began enforcing Rhode Island’s corporate tax e-file mandate. The mandate applies to paid preparers. It requires that returns on Form RI-1120C, RI-1120S, and Form RI-1065 be e-filed.

However, Rhode Island’s corporate e-file mandate does not apply to extension requests. Normally, requests for an automatic six-month filing extension are made on Form RI-7004. But the Division of Taxation does not accept e-filed extensions. As a result, Form RI-7004 must be filed on paper. “We don’t accept the 7004 electronically,” said Susan M. Galvin, chief of Tax Processing Services.

Similarly, the corporate e-file mandate does not apply for purposes of seeking an automatic one-month extension, on Form RI-7004-CRS, for the filing of Form RI-1120C and Schedule CRS (for pro forma combined reporting).

• Don't forget that you can make an extension payment online. If you do, you won't need to send in an extension form - either the RI-7004 or the RI-7004-CRS.