Extensions of Time to File Your Tax Return
There are three ways to request an automatic extension of time to file your U.S. individual income tax return. You must request the extension of time to file by the regular due date of your return to avoid the penalty for filing late. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.
You may file your extension in any one of three ways listed below:
- Pay all or part of your estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension using Link opens in a new windowIRS Direct Pay, the Link opens in a new windowElectronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or a Link opens in a new windowcredit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number for your records.
- E-file Link opens in a new windowForm 4868.pdf, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Tax Return, using your personal computer or through a tax professional who uses e-file.
- File a paper Form 4868, and enclose payment of your estimate of tax due. Note: Fiscal year taxpayers must file a paper Form 4868.
If you file the Form 4868 electronically, be sure to have a copy of your prior year's return; you'll be asked to provide your prior year's adjusted gross income (AGI) amount for verification purposes. Once you file, you'll receive an electronic acknowledgment that the IRS has accepted your filing. Keep this for your records. You should refer to your tax software or tax professional for ways to file and pay electronically using e-file services: Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options. Several companies offer free filing of Form 4868 through the Free File program: Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free.
Out of the Country
You're allowed 2 extra months (generally until June 15) to file your return and pay any tax due without requesting an extension if you're a U.S. citizen or resident alien, and on the regular due date of your return you're either
- Living outside of the United States and Puerto Rico, and your main place of business or post of duty is outside of the United States and Puerto Rico
- In military or naval service on duty outside of the United States and Puerto Rico
For additional information, refer to Link opens in a new windowPublication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad. If you use this automatic 2-month extension, you must attach a statement to your return explaining which of the two situations qualifies you for the extension. You'll still have to pay interest on any tax not paid by the regular due date of your return. You can also receive an additional 4-month extension of time to file if you file Link opens in a new windowForm 4868.pdf and check the box on line 8 to indicate that you need an additional 4 months to file your return. The additional 4-month period is not an extension of time to pay.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS). (Updated 2018, January 18). Extensions of time to file your tax return (Tax Topic Number 304). Retrieved January 23, 2019, from https://www.irs.gov/