How to File a Tax Extension Online in 2026

Filing a tax extension can be helpful for people who may be missing important tax documents or need extra time to complete their paperwork. Requesting one is relatively straightforward, as long as you do it by Tax Day.

You can apply for an extension using tax software, by e-filing Form 4868 with the IRS or by making an estimated tax payment. If you plan to work with a tax preparer, ask if they can file for an extension on your behalf.

What is a tax extension?

IRS Form 4868, also known as an “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File,” is a document taxpayers can submit to the IRS if they need more time to file their individual federal tax returns. The last day to submit an extension request is April 15, 2026. Returns filed after this deadline are considered late.

A tax extension moves your filing deadline by six months, from April 15 to October 15. The IRS generally doesn’t permit additional extensions beyond the initial six months. If you are an American citizen living abroad, the federal deadline to file your income tax return or to request a four-month extension is June 15. (However, keep in mind that your payment deadline is still April 15.)

Most states automatically extend your state return if your federal extension is accepted. However, rules vary, so check with your state to see if you need to file one separately.

How tax extensions work

Contrary to how it may sound, a tax extension won’t grant you more time to pay or deal with your tax bill. Submitting Form 4868 merely informs the agency that your tax return (typically Form 1040 and any related paperwork) will arrive late.

If you expect to owe taxes

If you'll owe taxes, you'll need to estimate your tax bill and submit a payment by Tax Day along with your extension request. Paying at least 90% of what you owe can reduce or help you avoid a late-payment penalty. You can use Form 1040-ES or tax software to estimate your liability. If you can’t pay in full, the IRS recommends you pay what you can to minimize fees or explore IRS payment plans that can help you pay off your balance in increments over time.

If you expect a refund

The IRS does not impose a penalty on tax returns that are filed late if you're due a refund. However, filing a tax extension anyway could be a good idea. For example, if you miscalculate and end up with a tax bill, a tax extension will get you out of a late-filing penalty.

» MORE: What happens if you don’t file, or file your taxes late?

How to file a tax extension with the IRS

• IRS Free File: Free File is an IRS tax preparation service for taxpayers who made $89,000 or less in 2025, but anyone — regardless of income — can file a free extension through the program.

• 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 of mailing, and note that it must be postmarked by April 15.

• IRS 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. Direct Pay allows you to indicate that you're requesting an extension when you make the payment, which eliminates the need to submit Form 4868 altogether.

How to file a tax extension online

If you’re using tax software this year, one of the easier ways to request a federal tax extension is directly through the provider. 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.

Here’s a quick glance at how to file a free extension with some popular tax software programs

» Ready to file? See our picks for the best tax software this year

How to fill out Form 4868

Form 4868 asks you to supply basic information, such as your name, address, Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). If you owe taxes, you’ll also need to include an estimate of that bill and the amount of payment you’re making.

You can estimate your taxes by referencing how much you owed last year if your income has not changed drastically. You can also estimate your taxes using a tax calculator or tax-prep software. However, working with a tax pro or using IRS Form 1040-ES may ensure a closer estimate.

Who should (and shouldn't) file for an extension

There are many reasons to consider filing Form 4868. The most common one is simply needing more time to collect paperwork. Other reasons include:

• 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 a tax extension

Filing Form 4868 doesn't make sense if you’re putting off your return because you can’t afford the tax bill. A tax extension request won’t give you more time to figure out that payment, so the longer you wait to file or pay after Tax Day passes, the more interest and penalties accumulate. If you can’t afford a tax bill, try to file on time, pay as much as you can, and look into an IRS payment plan.

Where to download Form 4868

If you’re using tax software, most programs will help you fill out the form, tally your estimated taxes and e-file the form along with payment. If you’re submitting a paper form, you can download a printable IRS Form 4868 directly from the agency's website^[0]

Where to mail Form 4868

Filing a paper extension by mail requires a few additional steps. Once your form is ready, mail it to your state's applicable IRS or Treasury Department address.

If you’re sending a payment with your request for an extension, the check or money order should be made out to the “United States Treasury.” Include your Social Security number and phone number, along with a note listing the tax year and the purpose of the check (e.g., 2025 Form 4868).

The IRS doesn't accept cash payments for paper extensions. For more information, see the Form 4868 instructions.

How automatic tax extensions work

Some people don’t need to worry about applying for tax extensions because they automatically get more time if they meet certain criteria.

• 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 also automatically receive more time.

Frequently asked questions