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Recommended by IRS

Extension of time to file your tax return

Need more time to prepare your federal tax return? This page provides information on how to apply for an extension of time to file.

Extension form for individuals
Information about Form 4868, including recent updates, related forms and instructions on how to file.
Extension form for businesses
Information about Form 7004, including recent updates, related forms and instructions on how to file.

Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is used by individuals to apply for six (6) more months to file Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040NR, or 1040NR-EZ. A U.S. citizen or resident files this form to request an automatic extension of time to file a U.S. individual income tax return.
Forms and Instructions

Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns

Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns, is used to request an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the returns shown on the form.
Forms and Instructions

Instructions for Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns

Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns, is used to request an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the returns shown on the form.
Forms and Instructions

Extensions of time for filing

Learn how to request an extension of time to file ExSTARS Reports.
General Information
Small Businesses

Form 4868 (sp), Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (Spanish version)

Form 4868 (sp), Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (Spanish version), is used by individuals to apply for six (6) more months to file Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040NR, or 1040NR-EZ. A U.S. citizen or resident files this form to request an automatic extension of time to file a U.S. individual income tax return.
Forms and Instructions

Taxpayers: Remember, an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes

Tax Tip 2024-30, April 9, 2024 — Taxpayers who can’t file by the deadline of April 15, 2024, should request an extension before that deadline. Remember, however, that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes. If they owe taxes, they should pay them before the due date to avoid potential penalties and interest on the amount owed.
General Information
Individuals

Where to file Form 7004

Use the chart to determine where to file Form 7004 based on the tax form you complete.
General Information
Individuals

IRS reminds taxpayers an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes

Tax Tip 2022-47, March 28, 2022 — For most individual taxpayers the tax filing and payment deadline is Monday, April 18, 2022. Those who need more time to file can request an extension to file.
General Information
Individuals

Taxpayers should know that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes

Tax Tip 2023-30, March 8, 2023 — Taxpayers who aren’t able to file by the April 18, 2023, deadline can request an extension before that deadline, but they should know that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes. If they owe taxes, they should pay them before the due date to avoid potential penalties and interest on the amount owed.
General Information
Individuals

Form 7004 — Multiple extensions filed in the same tax year

A taxpayer who needs to file Forms 7004 for multiple form types may submit the forms electronically.
General Information
Corporations