If you need more time to file your taxes, request an extension by the April tax filing due date. This gives you until October 15 to file without penalties. Make sure you pay any tax you owe by the April filing date. The extension is only for filing your return. Automatic extensions You may qualify for an automatic tax filing extension if you’re: In a federally declared disaster area In the military stationed abroad or serving in a combat zone A citizen or resident alien living outside the U.S. Get an extension There are 3 ways to get until October 15 to file your tax return. Pay online and check the box Pay what you owe using an online payment option and check the box that you are paying as part of filing for an extension. You don’t have to file a separate extension form and you’ll receive a confirmation number of your extension for your records. Use Free File (no income limit for extensions) Use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. Request an extension by mail File Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You can file by mail, online with an IRS e-filing partner or through a tax professional. Estimate how much tax you owe for the year on the extension form: Subtract the taxes you already paid for the filing year. Related Find more on extensions for: Businesses or corporations Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns Form 1138, Extension of Time for Payment of Taxes by a Corporation Expecting a Net Operating Loss Carryback U.S. citizens or resident aliens living outside the U.S. Form 2350, Application for Extension of Time to File U.S. Income Tax Return (For U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad Who Expect To Qualify for Special Tax Treatment) Exempt organizations Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return Retirement plans Form 5558, Application for Extension of Time to File Certain Employee Plan Returns Estates Form 4768, Application for Extension of Time to File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Taxes Form 8892, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Form 709 and/or Payment of Gift/Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Information return filers Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns
