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Tax Extension: What It Is and How to File One
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If you're not sure you’ll have it together by tax day and think you may need to file a tax extension, you're not alone. The IRS estimates that nearly 19 million taxpayers asked for extensions to file their income tax returns in 2023, and millions likely will again in 2024.
Here's everything to know about filing a tax extension in 2024:
What is a tax extension?
A tax extension is a request for an additional six months to file your federal income tax return with the IRS. In 2024, a tax extension that’s submitted by April 15 moves your filing deadline to Oct. 15.
You can submit your request for free by filling out Form 4868 through IRS Free File or by mailing a copy to the IRS. Most tax software programs will also help you e-file an extension. For your request to be valid, make sure to submit it by the April tax filing deadline.
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How to file a tax extension
Submit Form 4868 to the IRS either electronically or via mail by the April tax filing deadline. If you pay the IRS an estimate of your taxes owed by tax day online, noting that your payment is for an extension, you can skip the paperwork altogether.
Here are a few common ways to file a tax extension:
IRS Free File: The IRS partners with a nonprofit organization to provide people who have an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less access to free, name-brand tax-prep software through Free File. Anybody — even people above the income threshold — can go to the IRS website to file a free extension online.
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 tax pro 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 via snail mail. Make sure to get proof that you mailed it, though, and it must be postmarked by April 15.
» Ready to file? See our top software picks for 2024
How tax extensions work
Filing a tax extension can be helpful for people who may be missing important tax documents or who need extra time to complete their paperwork. It can also help you avoid incurring a late-filing penalty. A common misconception, however, is that tax extensions buy you additional time to pay your tax bill.
In reality, a tax extension only pushes out your filing deadline, not your payment due date. Taxes owed are still due by the regular April deadline. If you need more time to deal with a tax bill, the IRS offers payment plans that can help you pay off your balance in increments over time.
How tax extensions work if you owe taxes
If you can’t file your return by the tax filing deadline, in addition to requesting an extension, the IRS suggests you estimate your tax bill and submit an estimated payment as soon as possible to prevent fees and interest from racking up.
Anything you owe after the deadline is subject to interest and a late-payment penalty, but you might be able to catch a break on the penalty if you pay at least 90% of your taxes owed by the deadline and pay the rest with your return. You can estimate your tax liability by using the Estimated Tax Worksheet on Form 1040-ES or using tax software.
How tax extensions work if you're due a refund
The IRS does not impose a failure-to-file penalty on tax returns that are filed late if you're due a refund. However, filing a tax extension anyway if you need some extra time 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 that late-filing penalty.
» MORE: How to make an IRS payment
When is the deadline for filing a tax extension?
Tax day, April 15, 2024, is the last day to submit a request for an income tax extension. This gets you six more months to file your tax return.
How many tax extensions can you file?
Generally, you can't request more than one tax extension per return.
How much does a tax extension cost?
Nothing. You can file a tax extension for free by submitting Form 4868 to the IRS by the tax filing deadline.
Tax extensions for overseas taxpayers and military members
Some people don’t necessarily need to worry about applying for tax extensions at all. Because they automatically get more time if they meet certain criteria.
If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident who lived and worked outside of the country on the tax filing deadline, you may automatically get two extra months to file your return and pay any amount due without having to request a tax extension.
People living in state counties affected by certain natural disasters may automatically get more time, too.
Some military members also automatically get extra time, depending on where they are and what they’re doing.
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What happens after you file a tax extension?
Requesting that extension and making an estimated payment is only half the work. You still have to file your final return by Oct. 15, 2024. If you miss the October due datepenalties will accrue.
How do you file a state tax extension?
The rules for requesting a state tax extension can vary. In some states, you may have to file an additional form, while in others it may be automatically granted. In certain states, a federal tax extension also serves as a state extension. Illinois, for example, automatically extends the state tax return deadline to mid-October if a person's federal tax extension is approved.
Your state's tax department is the easiest way to determine your state income tax deadline and how to file for a state tax extension.
Which states have federal tax deadline extensions?
Several states have received extended federal tax-filing deadlines due to FEMA-declared natural disasters. The extension applies to federal filing and payment due dates for individual income, business, and quarterly tax filings.
As a rule of thumb, only people and businesses established in the counties the IRS recognizes as affected by the disaster are eligible for this relief. If you weren't able to meet your tax filing obligation on time because your preparer lives in the affected county, or if the paperwork you needed to complete your return was located in the disaster area, you may also be eligible. See the IRS disaster relief page for more details.