If you need more time to file your U.S. individual income tax return, you can request an automatic extension for up to six months. However, it’s important to remember that an extension of time to file does not mean an extension of time to pay your taxes. You must request the extension by the regular tax deadline to avoid late-filing penalties.
There are three primary ways to request an extension, each offering a simple and secure process.
1. Pay your estimated taxes and request an extension
One of the easiest ways to request an extension is by making a full or partial payment of your estimated income tax and indicating that the payment is for an extension. You can do this through the following electronic payment options:
- IRS Direct Pay
- Your IRS Online Account
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)
- Debit or credit card payments
- Digital wallets (Click to Pay, PayPal, or Venmo)
Once you complete your payment, you will receive a confirmation number, which serves as proof that your extension request has been processed.
2. E-file form 4868
Another option is to electronically file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You can do this through:
- Tax software on your personal computer
- A tax professional who offers e-filing services
When filing electronically, make sure you have a copy of your previous year’s tax return. You’ll need to enter your prior year’s adjusted gross income (AGI) for identity verification. Once your extension request is successfully submitted, the IRS will send an electronic acknowledgment confirming its acceptance.
Additionally, several tax preparation companies provide free e-filing of Form 4868 through the IRS Free File program. If you qualify, this can be a cost-effective way to secure an extension.
3. File a paper form 4868
If you prefer to submit your extension request by mail, you can file a paper Form 4868. Keep in mind that taxpayers following a fiscal year (rather than the calendar year) can only request an extension using the paper filing method.
Additional extensions for U.S. citizens living abroad
If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien living or serving outside the United States and Puerto Rico, you are eligible for an automatic two-month extension to file your return and pay any taxes due—without having to submit a formal extension request. This means that your tax deadline is generally June 15 instead of April 15.
To qualify, you must meet one of the following conditions as of the regular tax due date:
- Your primary place of business or post of duty is outside the United States and Puerto Rico.
- You are serving in the U.S. military or naval forces on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico.
If you use this automatic two-month extension, you must attach a statement to your return explaining how you meet the eligibility criteria. Keep in mind that while you will not face a penalty for late filing, interest will still apply to any unpaid tax after the regular due date.
How to get a full six-month extension
If you need even more time beyond the automatic two-month extension, you can apply for an additional four-month extension by filing Form 4868 and checking the box on line 8 to indicate your request. This will give you a total of six months to file your tax return, extending the deadline to October 15.
However, just like with other extensions, this additional time only applies to filing your return—it does not give you extra time to pay any taxes owed. Interest and penalties may still apply to unpaid balances after the original deadline.
For more details, refer to Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad, which provides specific information for taxpayers living outside the U.S.
By planning ahead and understanding your extension options, you can avoid unnecessary penalties while ensuring you meet IRS deadlines.
