How to verify IRS received income tax extension request?

[curiousgeorge]

2013 Form 4868 was mailed. No tax payment made because refund is actually due. is there a way to verify that IRS received the form?
Thanks.

[taz157]

Call them. Go to the Contact Us on the IRS website (irs.gov).

[mwcpa]

the "best" way to ensure an extension was received is to submit it electronically or mail it using "certified mail" with a "return receipt request."

[taxref]

I have to second MWCPA's answer.  I went for decades with no problems sending extensions by regular mail.  I then had 1"unfiled" and 1 "late postmark" extension controversies in the space of 2 years.  Since I always had the post office clerk hand stamp the postmark on deadlines, the late postmark episode was particularly galling.  I now go the certified mail or e-extend route.  

[curiousgeorge]

Thanks everyone. 
Sent extensions by regular mail before, but with payments.  The canceled check is good proof of receipt.  The 2013 extension was sent with no payment - IF IRS records show it was not received - would there be a late filing fee even though there is no tax owed?

[rangerj]

Note: Any penalties are based upon the amount of deficiency. If you are due a refund then there would not be any penalties for late filing or failure to pay. That having been said, there are some penalties for late filing such as for information returns. Sending in an extension should be done with proof positive that it was sent in on time as stated above. This way you avoid problems with the government as well as with your clients (malpractice?).

[curiousgeorge]

Thanks Ranger,
That's a relief.  No clients.  Just a taxpayer who comes to Tax Talk for the kind assistance that you and the other experts  provide.  Thank you all! 

[bean29]

I use turbo tax, and I could not figure out how to e-file my request for extension.  Does anyone know if turbo tax is set up for this?  and 2) Can I do it directly on the IRS web site?

I usually mail my extension request and (knock on wood) I have never had a problem.

[taxref]

Bean29: I do not use Turbo Tax, but they do support efling an extension through a web application.  

I doubt that one can electronically extend directly through the IRS website, but am not 100 percent sure. 

[rangerj]

Added note: You can lose a refund if you do not file a return within the statutory period prescribed. On the other hand if one owes money the statute of limitations, with respect to assessment and collection of tax, does not begin to run until a return is filed. Do not let this go to long thinking there is no hurry because you have a refund coming.

[TheOtherMe]

Also if you do not file timely, including extensions, and a deficiency is later assessed due to an audit, etc., late filing penalties and late payment penalties will be assessed.