How and Where to File a Tax Extension in 2026
For most people, Tax Day is the final day to request a tax extension. Here's where and how to file one.
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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.
There are several ways to request one, including using tax software, e-filing Form 4868 with the IRS or 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.
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.
What is a tax extension?
A tax extension — also known as Form 4868 — is a request for an additional six months to submit a tax return to the IRS. It moves the filing deadline from mid-April to mid-October.
Importantly, a tax extension doesn't actually buy you more time to pay your tax bill — it only moves your filing due date. If you owe the IRS, an estimated tax payment is still due by April 15.
How to file a tax extension with the IRS
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 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 that you mailed it, 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 note that you're requesting an extension while you're making that payment, which does away with you having to submit Form 4868 altogether.
Nerdy Tip: Mail isn’t always postmarked the day you drop it in a mailbox. If you’re filing close to the deadline, go to the post office and request a manual postmark to avoid penalties.
How to file a tax extension using tax software
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
Provider | How to file an extension |
|---|---|
FreeTax USA | Log in, select Account in the upper-right corner, then choose File an Extension. |
H&R Block | Log in and go to the Overview tab. Under Tax Filing Resources, select File an extension and follow the prompts to e-file. Available mid-March. |
TaxAct | Log in and select File → File Extension from the sidebar, then follow the interview prompts. |
TaxSlayer | Log in and search for Form 4868 using the Form Search tool. |
TurboTax | Log in to your account and go to Tax Tools → File an Extension. You can also file using the Easy Tax Extension tool. Available in March. |
» Ready to file? See our picks for the best tax software this year
How tax extensions work
If you expect to owe taxes
Request a tax extension by the deadline to avoid incurring a late-filing fee. Then, estimate your tax bill and pay to avoid interest and penalties. 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.
What is the last day to request an extension?
The last day to submit an extension request is April 15. If a tax return is filed after this date without a valid extension attached, the IRS will consider it late. Penalties and fees will start to accrue if you have a tax bill.
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 deadline to pay is still April 15.
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 automatically get more time, too.