how to file a tax extension

To file a tax extension for your U.S. individual income tax return, you can follow these steps:

1. Use IRS Form 4868
   File Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form can be submitted electronically or by mail. Filing this form gives you an automatic extension to file your tax return until October 15, but it does not extend the time to pay any taxes owed

2. File electronically
   • Use IRS Free File, which is available to all taxpayers regardless of income, to submit Form 4868 online for free.
   • Alternatively, use tax software or an IRS e-filing partner to file the extension electronically. Most tax software programs support filing Form 4868.
   • You can also have a tax professional file the extension on your behalf

3. File by mail
   • Complete Form 4868 and mail it to the IRS by the tax filing deadline (typically April 15). Make sure it is postmarked by the deadline to be valid

4. Pay any estimated tax owed by the original deadline
   Since the extension only applies to filing your return and not paying taxes, you should estimate and pay any tax you owe by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest. You can make this payment online using IRS Direct Pay, debit/credit card, or digital wallet and indicate that the payment is for an extension

5. Special considerations
   • If you live outside the U.S. on the regular due date, you may automatically get a two-month extension without filing Form 4868.
   • Special rules may apply if you are in a combat zone or certain disaster areas

Summary:

• File Form 4868 by April 15 (electronically or by mail) to get an automatic extension until October 15 to file your tax return.
• Pay any tax you owe by April 15 to avoid penalties.
• Use IRS Free File, tax software, a tax professional, or mail to submit your extension request

No fee is charged by the IRS for filing a tax extension. You generally cannot file more than one extension per tax return

. This process ensures you avoid late-filing penalties while giving yourself extra time to prepare your tax return.