Thumbnail

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.

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

Information about Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns, including recent updates, related forms, and instructions on how to file. Form 7004 is used to request an automatic extension to file the certain returns.
General Information
Businesses

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Form 8878, IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Form 4868 or Form 2350

Information about Form 8878, IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Form 4868 or Form 2350, including recent updates, related forms, and instructions on how to file. Complete Form 8878 when Form 4868 is filed using a Practitioner PIN, or when the ERO is authorized to enter the taxpayer’s PIN.
General Information
Tax Professionals

E-filing Form 7004 (Application for Automatic Extension to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information and Other Returns)

Learn how to e-file an automated extension using Form 7004 and the restrictions that apply.
Software Development
Software Developers

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

Form 4868 is used by individuals to apply for six (6) more months to file Form 1040, 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.
General Information