Tax Extension: What It Is, How to File One

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What is a tax extension?
How tax extensions work
Tax extension deadline
When are taxes due with an extension?
Is there a penalty for filing a tax extension?
How to file a tax extension: Online, software and other options
- IRS Free File: Free File is an IRS tax preparation service for taxpayers who make below a certain income, but anyone — regardless of income — can go to the IRS website to file a free extension through the program
. - Tax software: If you plan to use tax software, most providers support filing Form 4868 for tax extensions. You can simply follow the program’s instructions and see how to file a tax extension electronically. The IRS will send you an electronic acknowledgment when you submit the form.
- Tax preparer: If you plan to work with a CPA or other tax preparer, ask if they can file for an extension on your behalf.
- By mail: You can apply for a tax extension on paper by filling out Form 4868 and sending it to the IRS through the Postal Service. Make sure to get proof that you mailed it, and note that it must have been postmarked by April 15.
- Direct Pay: Because a tax extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay, it's a good idea to estimate your taxes owed and make a payment along with your extension request. IRS Direct Pay allows you to note that you're requesting an extension while you're making that payment, which does away with you having to submit Form 4868 altogether.
How much does it cost to file a tax extension?
How many tax extensions can you file?
- 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 do you file a state tax extension?
How automatic tax extensions work
- U.S. citizens or residents who lived and worked outside of the country on the tax filing deadline may automatically get two extra months to file their return without having to request a tax extension. If you need additional time beyond those two months, you have to file for an extension by the mid-June deadline to extend your filing deadline to October.
- Some military members also automatically get extra time, depending on where they are and what they’re doing. The amount of extra time here depends on where the service member is and what they are doing. For example, soldiers in combat areas can get an extra 180 days from their last day in a combat zone to file their tax returns. Hospitalization due to combat injury can prolong the extension.
- People living in areas affected by certain natural disasters may automatically get more time, too.
Article sources
- 1. Internal Revenue Service. Free File: Everyone Can File an Extension for Free. Accessed Feb 14, 2025.
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