To file a tax extension for your federal income tax return, follow these steps:
- File IRS Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) by the tax filing deadline, typically April 15. This form grants you an automatic extension to file your return until October 15 without penalties for late filing
- Ways to file Form 4868:
- Electronically: Use IRS Free File (available to all income levels), tax software, or a tax professional to e-file the extension form
* **By mail:** Complete Form 4868 and mail it to the IRS postmarked by the tax deadline
* **Pay and check the box:** Make an estimated tax payment online using IRS Direct Pay, debit/credit card, or digital wallet, and indicate that the payment is for an extension. This method serves as your extension request without submitting a separate form
- Estimate and pay any taxes owed by the original filing deadline. The extension only extends the time to file your return, not the time to pay your taxes. Paying at least 90% of your estimated tax liability by April 15 helps avoid penalties and interest
- Keep confirmation records. If you e-file or pay online, you will receive a confirmation number or acknowledgment for your extension request
- Special cases: U.S. citizens living abroad get an automatic two-month extension. Military personnel in combat zones or certain disaster areas may have additional extensions without filing Form 4868
In summary, to file a tax extension, submit Form 4868 electronically or by mail by April 15, estimate and pay any taxes owed by that date, and you will have until October 15 to file your full tax return without late-filing penalties
