How to File an IRS Income Tax Extension
File IRS Form 4868 to extend your income tax form 1040 filing
deadline up to 6 months.
Federal Extensions for Individual Income Tax Returns
- Updated June 20, 2022 - 8.00, AM Admin, ExpressExtensionEvery year, the IRS requires individual taxpayers to file a personal income tax return to report their income and expense details. This helps the IRS determine whether the individuals owe any taxes or are eligible for a tax refund.
However, if you need more time to prepare and file your income tax return, you have the option to request a tax extension.
Note: You will only be granted an extension if you file on or before the due date.
ExpressExtension created this helpful guide to simplify the process of filing an
IRS Tax Extension.
Table of Contents
1. How to apply for an income tax extension?
2. When is the due date to file an IRS Income tax extension Form 4868?
3. IRS Automatic Tax Extension for U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens Living Abroad
4. IRS Automatic Tax Extension for the Military Personnel
5. How to apply for an IRS Income Tax Extension?
6. How to complete the IRS Income Tax Extension?
7. How to File a State Income Tax Extension?
8. Why should I Choose ExpressExtension to File an IRS Income Tax Extension?
How to apply for an income tax extension?
If you need additional time to file your individual income tax return, you can request an additional 6 months of time from the IRS by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
The IRS doesn’t ask for any explanation from the filers to request an extension.
Important reminder:
Form 4868 only extends your time to file. It doesn’t extend your tax
payment due date.
You must make your tax payment before the original deadline.
If you owe taxes after the actual due date, it is subject to interest and a late-payment penalty.
However, a late-payment penalty is not incurred if you’ve paid 90% of your actual tax liability before the regular due date. You can then pay the remaining when you file your tax return.
When is the due date to file an IRS Income tax extension Form 4868?
The IRS income tax extension Form 4868 is due by April 15.
If you file Form 4868, and it is accepted by the IRS, you can extend your income tax return filing deadline until October 15.
If the due date falls on the weekend or national holiday, the due date will be the next business day.
Important reminder:
The IRS will reject your return if you file Form 4868 after the deadline.
IRS Automatic Tax Extension for U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens
Living Abroad
If you are a U.S. resident or resident alien living outside the US and Puerto Rico on Tax Day and your main place of business is outside of the United States, your tax deadline to file an IRS Tax Extension is generally June 15.
IRS Automatic Tax Extension for the Military Personnel
If you are a member of military or naval service and working outside of the United States and Puerto Rico during the deadline, the IRS provides you the automatic
2-month extension of time to file your Tax Return.
How to file IRS Income Tax Extension?
Individuals can apply for an IRS tax extension by filing Form 4868 electronically
or on paper.
Although, the IRS strongly recommends individuals to file tax extension forms electronically. Choosing to file your form 4868 electronically will help you get the IRS status updates instantly.
If you file a paper copy of the extension form, the IRS will take longer to process your filing, and you won't receive an acknowledgment at the same time.
To check the IRS Mailing address, click here.
How to complete the IRS Income Tax Extension?
To file your personal income tax extension Form 4868 with the IRS, you must complete the following information:
- Personal details such as Full name, Address, & SSN
- If you're filing jointly, you'll need the same information for your spouse
- Total tax liability & payment for the tax year
- Balance due if any
To learn more about Form 4868 Instructions, visit: https://www.expressextension.com/form-4868-instructions/.
How to File a State Income Tax Extension?
Most states request individuals to file income tax returns at the state level.
If you wish to extend the state income tax filing deadline, you can file a state tax extension Form.
The requirements for filing an income tax extension for each state varies.
Some states have the state-specific forms to extend the state income tax returns. Whereas, other states will automatically accept the valid Federal tax extension and do not require a separate state application.
To find your State tax extension filing requirements, please click here.
Why should I Choose ExpressExtenion to File an IRS Income Tax Extension?
ExpressExtension is one of the most trusted IRS authorized e-filing providers for income tax extensions. With over a decade of experience in filing IRS tax extension forms, we help you to complete and e-file your personal income tax extension form 4868 easily with the IRS to get an automatic extension of up to 6 months.
Advantages of e-filing your Individual Income Tax Extension:
- Request an extension in minutes from any device
- Get your 4868 Extension Approved or your money back
- Easy options to pay your balance due to the IRS
If you're a tax professional, ExpressExtension offers a bulk upload feature that lets you upload your clients' income tax extension data in bulk and offers volume-based pricing that can save you time and money.
Are you ready to get started?
Create a free ExpressExtension account today! Our application guides you through the extension filing process for an instant, automatic 6-month IRS extension.
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Very easy to navigate and complete in a relatively short period of time. I was notified via email that the extension request was accepted by the IRS within seconds of submitting the form. Really, Seconds not Minutes.
- Shawn M Q, Nevada
Convenient and easy to use. Also love the email and text features, Thorough process, Sound explanations for each stage (help texts), payment options and Dashboard.
- Tatchanna C, Georgia
Easy navigation and the information from last year is saved into the system so that I don’t have to type it all in again. Live chat meant live chat, and fast.
Thank you for that.
- Wesley W, Illinois
This is a life-saver! For the first time in 44 years I need to request an extension on my business taxes and I had no idea how I was going to get the Form 7004 from Louisiana on March 13 to Utah by March 15. Thank you for this service.
- Susan D, Georgia
This is absolutely the easiest way to manage tax filings for a small business. We have used Express Extension for 1099s and extensions, and it takes all the pressure out of the process.
- Laura O, Texas
Storing my info from the past so the process is quick and easy and I did not have to look up anything in my records to complete. The email reminder saved me from missing an important filing deadline! Thanks!
- Martin M, New York
Recent Queries
- I will be living out of the country. So I cannot file and pay my tax on time. Will I get a penalty from the IRS?
- What type of tax extension should I file if I'm self-employed?
- I do not have an SSN to file form 4868. What should I do?
- [E-File Error Code F4868-002-01] How do I resolve it?
- What payment options do I see while e-filing 4868?
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