Form 4868: Application for Automatic 6-Month Extension

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What is IRS Form 4868?
- Federal: $79 to $139. Free version available for Simple Form 1040 returns only.
- State: $0 to $69 per state.
- Expert help or full service filing is available with an upgrade to Live packages for a fee.
How does Form 4868 work?
How much extra time does Form 4868 give you?
When should I file Form 4868?
- You, your CPA or your tax preparer will not be able to finish your tax return by the deadline.
- You cannot file on time because of a significant life, medical or travel event.
- You are missing or waiting on certain tax documents you need to file (e.g., a 1099 tax form or Schedule K-1).
- You want to avoid incurring a failure-to-file penalty.
- You are self-employed and want extra time to set up a SEP plan, which you may fund until the tax extension deadline. Solo 401(k)s and SIMPLE plans can also be funded until the extension deadline.
When not to file Form 4868
Who can file Form 4868?
- Federal: $79 to $139. Free version available for Simple Form 1040 returns only.
- State: $0 to $69 per state.
- Expert help or full service filing is available with an upgrade to Live packages for a fee.
How to file Form 4868
- By paper: Taxpayers can file Form 4868 by mail, but it must be postmarked by Tax Day.
- Electronically: IRS Free File, IRS Free Fillable Forms or tax-prep software can help you e-file your extension.
- When you pay estimated taxes: This third option does away with the paperwork. When you pay your estimated tax bill using an IRS payment method such as Direct Pay, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or by credit or debit card, you can indicate that the payment is for an extension
.
What is the cost of filing Form 4868?
How to fill out Form 4868

Where to download Form 4868
Where to mail Form 4868
Form 4868 mailing addresses
State of residence | If you’re sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868: | If you’re not sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868: |
---|---|---|
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas. | Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 1302
Charlotte, NC 28201-1302. | Department of the Treasury,
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0045. |
Arizona, New Mexico. | Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 802503,
Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503. | Department of the Treasury,
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0045. |
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin. | Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 931300
Louisville, KY 40293-1300. | Department of the Treasury,
Internal Revenue Service Center
Kansas City, MO 64999-0045. |
Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming. | Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 802503
Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503. | Department of the Treasury,
Internal Revenue Service Center
Ogden, UT 84201-0045. |
Arkansas, Oklahoma. | Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 931300
Louisville, KY 40293-1300. | Department of the Treasury,
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0045. |
Pennsylvania. | Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 802503
Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503. | Department of the Treasury,
Internal Revenue Service Center
Kansas City, MO 64999-0045. |
For more information on where to send a paper extension request if you live in a foreign country, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, use an APO or FPO address, are a dual-status citizen or nonpermanent residents of Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands, see the instructions for Form 4868. |
Don’t forget about the Form 4868 deadline
Article sources
- 1. Internal Revenue Service. Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Accessed Feb 13, 2024.
- 2. Internal Revenue Service. Topic No. 304, Extensions of Time to File Your Tax Return. Accessed Feb 13, 2024.
- 3. Internal Revenue Service. Free File: Everyone Can File an Extension for Free. Accessed Feb 13, 2024.
- 4. Internal Revenue Service. About Form 4868. Accessed Nov 4, 2024.
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