To file an extension on your federal income taxes, you need to submit IRS Form 4868, titled "Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." This form gives you an automatic six-month extension to file your tax return, moving the deadline from April 15 to October 15 for the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025)
How to File a Tax Extension
- Online: You can electronically file Form 4868 through the IRS website using IRS Free File (available to all taxpayers regardless of income), through IRS e-file partners, or via tax software like TurboTax or TaxAct
- By Mail: Complete the paper Form 4868 and mail it to the IRS postmarked by April 15. Make sure to send it to the correct IRS address based on your location
- Through a Tax Professional: A CPA or tax preparer can file the extension on your behalf
Important Notes
- Filing an extension only gives you more time to file your return, not more time to pay any taxes owed. You must estimate your tax liability and pay any amount due by the original April 15 deadline to avoid penalties and interest
- If you pay your estimated taxes online via IRS Direct Pay or other IRS payment options and indicate the payment is for an extension, you may not need to file Form 4868 separately
- The extension is automatic once Form 4868 is filed on time; you do not need to provide a reason for the extension
- Only one extension per tax return is allowed
In summary, to file an extension on your taxes, submit IRS Form 4868 by April 15 either online, by mail, or through a tax professional, and pay any estimated taxes owed by the same deadline to avoid penalties. This will give you until October 15 to file your full tax return
