To file a tax extension for your U.S. federal income tax return, you can do the following:
- File IRS Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form can be submitted electronically through IRS Free File, via an IRS e-filing partner, by mail, or through a tax professional. Filing this form by the tax deadline (usually April 15) grants you an automatic extension until October 15 to file your return
- Pay any estimated tax owed by the original filing deadline. The extension only gives you more time to file your return, not to pay taxes. To avoid penalties and interest, estimate your tax liability and pay what you owe by the April deadline
- Use IRS Free File or an online payment option. You can request an extension electronically using IRS Free File or by making an online payment (Direct Pay, debit/credit card, digital wallet) and indicating the payment is for an extension. This method does not require filing a separate Form 4868
- Mail the completed Form 4868 to the IRS if you prefer paper filing. Make sure it is postmarked by the tax deadline
Additional notes:
- If you live outside the U.S. on the regular due date, you may automatically get a 2-month extension without filing Form 4868
- Filing an extension does not extend the time to pay taxes owed, so paying on time is crucial to avoid penalties
In summary, to file a tax extension, submit Form 4868 electronically or by mail by the tax deadline, and pay any estimated taxes owed by that date. This will give you until October 15 to file your full tax return without late- filing penalties
