IRS Form 4868: What It Is & How to File for a Personal Tax Extension

What is IRS Form 4868?

IRS Form 4868, officially titled “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return”, grants taxpayers an additional six months to file their tax return. This extension helps reduce stress by giving more time to prepare an accurate return.

Can I file Form 4868 electronically?

Yes, you can e-file using authorized tax software, such as FileLater’s Tax Extension e-File Service, which provides immediate confirmation of receipt and typically receives IRS approval of extensions in less than five minutes. E-filing is recommended for peace of mind and quick processing.

Alternatively, you can file Form 4868 by printing the form, filling it out, addressing and stamping an envelope, and mailing it via USPS. However, mailed filings do not confirm receipt or if approved.

Do I need to provide a reason for requesting a tax extension?

No, the IRS does not require a reason for filing Form 4868. The extension is automatically granted as long as the form is submitted on time.

Will filing a tax extension increase my chances of being audited?

No, requesting an extension does not trigger an audit. The IRS treats extensions as a routine part of the filing process.

Can my tax extension be denied?

In most cases, Form 4868 is automatically approved when e-filed. However, if you mail a paper form with errors or missing information, the IRS may reject your extension. If this happens, you should file your tax return as soon as possible to avoid penalties.

Key Benefits of IRS Form 4868

  • Automatic Six‐Month Extension: By filing Form 4868, you receive an automatic six‐month extension to submit your individual income tax return, moving the deadline from April 15 to October 15.
  • Extension to File, Not to Pay: It’s crucial to understand that while the form extends your filing deadline, it does not extend the time to pay any taxes owed.
  • Flexible Submission Options: You have the option to file Form 4868 electronically or by mail, offering flexibility in how you manage your tax responsibilities.

Understanding IRS Form 4868

Form 4868 is specifically designed for individuals who require additional time to complete their federal income tax returns. By submitting this form, you gain an automatic extension, allowing you to file your return by October 15 instead of the usual April 15 deadline. However, this extension only applies to filing your return—not to paying any taxes you owe. To avoid interest and penalties, you should estimate and pay any tax liability by the original due date.

Who Should Consider Filing Form 4868?

Several scenarios might prompt taxpayers to seek an extension:

  • Incomplete Documentation: If you’re missing essential tax documents, such as W-2s (Wage and Tax Statements) or 1099s (Miscellaneous Income), and need extra time to gather them.
  • Complex Financial Situations: Taxpayers with intricate financial circumstances, including investments, multiple income streams, or significant life changes, may require additional time for accurate reporting.
  • Unexpected Life Events: Unforeseen events like illness, family emergencies, or natural disasters can impede your ability to file on time.

Consider Jane, a small business owner who recently expanded her operations. With multiple income streams and new investments, she finds herself overwhelmed by the complexity of her tax situation. By filing Form 4868, Jane gains the extra time she needs to ensure her return is accurate and complete, allowing her to focus on her business without the added stress of looming tax deadlines.

How to File Form 4868?

Filing Form 4868 is a straightforward process:

  1. Estimate Your Tax Liability: Use available information to make a reasonable estimate of your total tax liability for the year.
  2. Complete the Form: Enter your personal information and the estimated tax liability on Form 4868.
  3. Submit the Form: You can file electronically using IRS e-file or a free file option, or mail a paper form to the appropriate IRS address. Electronic filing is recommended for faster processing and confirmation.

Important Considerations

  • Payment Obligations: While Form 4868 extends your filing deadline, it does not extend the time to pay any taxes due. To avoid interest and penalties, pay the estimated tax owed by the original filing deadline.
  • Confirmation of Extension: The IRS will only contact you if your extension request is denied. Otherwise, you can assume the extension is granted upon submission.
  • State Tax Returns: An approved federal extension does not automatically apply to state tax returns. Check with your state’s tax authority to determine if a separate extension is required.

Embracing the Opportunity for a Stress-Free Tax Season

Filing Form 4868 can be a lifesaver if you need extra time to complete your tax return accurately. However, remember that while this extension grants you additional time to file, it does not extend the time to pay any taxes owed. To avoid unnecessary penalties and interest, estimate your tax liability and make any necessary payments by the original deadline.

By planning ahead and taking advantage of the extension when necessary, you can ensure a stress-free and organized tax season. Whether you need extra time due to complex financial circumstances or unexpected life events, Form 4868 provides the flexibility to manage your tax obligations responsibly.

Tax Extension Forms

Tax Extension Forms

IRS Tax Form 4868

IRS Form 4868 is the Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Income Tax Return.

If you are not able to file your federal individual income tax return by the due date, you may be able to get an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. To do so, you must file Tax Form 4868 by the original due date for filing your tax return (April 15).

Form 4868 is a tax extension for individuals reporting their income to the IRS. This includes all taxpayers who file 1040s, contractors who file 1099s, as well as single member LLCs and Schedule C Sole Proprietors. Filing an  individual tax extension will extend your tax deadline to October for the following tax returns:

  1. Tax Form 1040
  2. Tax Form 1040A
  3. Tax Form 1040EZ
  4. Tax Form 1040NR
  5. Tax Form 1040NR-EZ
  6. Tax Form 1040-PR
  7. Tax Form 1040-SS

It’s important to note that submitting Form 4868 does not extend the time for payment of tax, which is still owed by the original due date of your return. You will need to give an estimate of your tax due when filing for a tax extension ― and you can pay none, all, or part of your estimated income tax due directly from your bank account via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

The IRS will accept corrections to tax extension requests within a certain time period.

How to Fill Out IRS Tax Form 4868

Part I: Identification

Line 1

Enter your name(s) and address. If you plan to file a joint tax return, include both spouses’ names in the order in which they will appear on joint tax return.

If you would like notices regarding your tax extension to be sent to you at an address other than your own, enter that address in Part I. If you want correspondences sent to an agent who is acting for you, include the agent’s name (as well as your own) and the agent’s address in Part I.

If you changed your name after you filed your last tax return (because of marriage, divorce, or other reasons) be sure to report this to the Social Security Administration (SSA) before filing Tax Form 4868. Doing this will help prevent delays in processing your tax extension request.

If you changed your mailing address after you filed your last tax return, you should use Tax Form 8822 (Change of Address) to notify the IRS of that change. Simply showing a new address on Form 4868 will not update your records. You can obtain IRS tax forms by calling 1(800)TAX-FORM or by visiting the IRS website and downloading the forms online.

Lines 2 and 3

If you plan to file a joint tax return, on Line 2 enter the Social Security Number (SSN) that will appear first on your return. On Line 3, enter the other Social Security Number that will be shown on your joint return.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for Aliens: If you are a nonresident or resident alien and you do not have a Social Security Number (and are not eligible to get one), you must apply for an ITIN. Although an ITIN is not required to file Tax Form 4868, you will need one to file your income tax return. For details on how to apply for an ITIN, see IRS Tax Form W-7 and its instructions. It will take approximately 8-10 weeks for the IRS to notify you of your ITIN. If you already have an ITIN, enter it on the tax form wherever your Social Security Number is requested. If you are currently applying for an ITIN with Form W-7, write “ITIN TO BE REQUESTED” on the tax form wherever your Social Security Number is requested.

Note: An ITIN is for tax purposes only. It does not entitle you to Social Security Benefits, nor does it change your employment or immigration status under United States law.

Part II: Individual Income Tax

Keep in mind that you can round-off cents to whole dollar amounts on Tax Form 4868. However, if you do round-off to whole dollars, you must round all amounts on the form. To round, drop amounts under 50 cents, and increase amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. (For example, $1.39 would become $1, and $2.50 would become $3). If you have to add two or more numbers together to figure the amount to enter on a line, include cents when adding the amounts, and round off only the total.

Line 4 ― Estimate of Total Tax Liability for the Year

Enter the total income tax liability that you expect to report on your tax return. This amount will appear on one of the following forms (depending on which tax return you file):

  1. Tax Form 1040, Line 63
  2. Tax Form 1040A, Line 39
  3. Tax Form 1040EZ, Line 10
  4. Tax Form 1040NR, Line 61
  5. Tax Form 1040NR-EZ, Line 17
  6. Tax Form 1040-PR, Line 6
  7. Tax Form 1040-SS, Line 6

If you expect this amount to be zero, enter -0-. Bear in mind, you want to make your estimate as accurate as you can with the information you have. If the IRS later finds that your estimate was not reasonable, your tax extension will be considered null and void.

Line 5—Estimate of Total Payments for the Year

Enter on Line 5 the total payments that you expect to report on your income tax return. This amount will appear on one of the following forms (depending on with tax return you file):

  1. Tax Form 1040, Line 74
  2. Tax Form 1040A, Line 46
  3. Tax Form 1040EZ, Line 9
  4. Tax Form 1040NR, Line 71
  5. Tax Form 1040NR-EZ, Line 21
  6. Tax Form 1040-PR, Line 11
  7. Tax Form 1040-SS, Line 11

Note: For Forms 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040NR-EZ, 1040-PR, and 1040SS, do not include on Line 5 the amount you are paying with this Tax Form 4868.

Line 6 ― Balance Due

Subtract Line 5 from Line 4 and enter the result here. If Line 5 is more than Line 4, enter -0-.

Line 7 ― Amount You Are Paying

If you find that you cannot pay the amount shown on Line 6, you can still get a tax extension. However, you should try to pay as much as you can in order to limit the amount of interest you will owe. Additionally, you may be charged a late payment penalty (usually 0.5% per month) on the tax not paid by the original due date of your return.

Line 8 ― Taxpayers Who Are Out of the Country

If you are out of the country on the regular due date of your tax return, check the box on Line 8. For the IRS’ definition of “out of the country,” see the Instructions for Form 4868.

Line 9 ― Taxpayers Who File Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ

If you did not receive wages subject to withholding tax and your return is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after your tax year ends, check the box on Line 9.

IRS Tax Form 7004

IRS Tax Form 7004  is the Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns.

IRS Form 7004 is a tax extension for businesses, corporations, partnerships, and certain trusts. This tax form has three parts ― depending on the type of tax extension being requested, the entity must complete Part I or Part II, and everyone must complete Part III.

If you are not able to file your corporate income tax return by the original due date, you can request a tax extension by mailing Form 7004 to the appropriate address (see Instructions for IRS Form 7004) or by e-filing Form 7004 online.

Applying for a business tax extension will extend your filing deadline for the following business tax returns: Tax Form 706-GS(D), Tax Form 706-GS(T), Tax Form 1041 (estate other than a bankruptcy estate), Tax Form 1041 (trust), Tax Form 1041 (bankruptcy estate only), Tax Form 1041-N, Tax Form 1041-QFT, Tax Form 1042, Tax Form 1065, Tax Form 1065-B, Tax Form 1066, Tax Form 1120, Tax Form 1120-C, Tax Form 1120-F, Tax Form 1120-FSC, Tax Form 1120-H, Tax Form 1120-L, Tax Form 1120-ND, Tax Form 1120-ND (section 4951 taxes), Tax Form 1120-PC, Tax Form 1120-POL, Tax Form 1120-REIT, Tax Form 1120-RIC, Tax Form 1120S, Tax Form 1120-SF, Tax Form 3520-A, Tax Form 8612, Tax Form 8613, Tax Form 8725, Tax Form 8804, Tax Form 8831, Tax Form 8876, Tax Form 8924, and Tax Form 8928.

Note that you cannot e-file your tax extension request for certain tax forms ― including Form 8612, 8613, 8725, 8831, 8876, or 706-GS(D). To get an extension for these forms, you must mail a paper tax extension request (Form 7004) to the IRS.

It’s also important to remember that Tax Form 7004 does not extend the time for payment of any tax due, only the time for filing a return. An entity must estimate the amount of tax it will owe, and can pay none, all, or part of its Estimated Income Tax due using a credit card or electronic check (e-check).

How to Fill Out IRS Tax Form 7004

Part I: Automatic 5-Month Extension

Line 1a

If you are applying for an automatic 5-month tax extension, enter the appropriate Form Code in the boxes on Line 1a to indicate the type of tax return for which you are requesting a tax extension. Enter only one Form Code. If you make a Form Code entry on Line 1a, do not make a Form Code entry on Line 1b (below).

Part II: Automatic 6-Month Extension

Line 1b

If you are applying for an automatic 6-month tax extension, enter the appropriate Form Code in the boxes on Line 1b to indicate the type of tax return for which you are requesting a tax extension. Enter only one Form Code. If you make a Form Code entry on Line 1b, do not make a Form Code entry on Line 1a (above).

Line 2

Check the box on Line 2 if you are requesting an extension of time to file for a foreign corporation that does not have an office or place of business located in the United States. The entity should file Tax Form 7004 by the due date of the original return (typically the 15th day of the 6th month following the close of the tax year) to request an automatic 6-month tax extension.

Line 3

[Note: Line 3 is applicable to corporations only.] Only the common parent of a consolidated group can request an extension of time to file the group’s consolidated tax return. You must attach a list of all members of the consolidated group showing the name, address, and EIN for each member of the group. If you file a paper return, you must provide this information using the following format:: 8.5 x 11, 20 lb. white paper; 12-point font in Courier, Arial, or Times New Roman; black ink; one-sided printing; and at least ½ inch margin. The information must be presented in a two-column format, with the left column containing the affiliates’ names and addresses, and the right column containing the TIN with ½ inch between the columns. There should also be two blank lines between the listed affiliates.

Generally, all members of a consolidated group must use the same taxable year as the common parent corporation. If, however, a particular member of a consolidated group is required to file a separate income tax return for a short period and seeks an extension of time to file their return, that member must file a separate Tax Form 7004 for that period. (See Regulations section 1.1502-76 for details.)

[Note: Failure to list all members of the affiliated group on an attachment may result in the group’s inability to elect to file a consolidated return. See Regulations sections 301.9100-1 through 301.9100-3 for more details.]

Part III: All Filers Must Complete This Part

Line 4 ― Corporations or Certain Partnerships That Qualify Under Regulations Section 1.6081-5 (Exceptions for foreign and certain domestic corporations)

Certain foreign and domestic corporations are entitled to a 3-month extension of time to file and pay under the Regulations Section 1.6081-5. You do not need to file Tax Form 7004 if you are taking this 3-month tax extension. You must file (or request an additional extension of time to file) and pay any balance due by the 15th day of the 6th month following the close of the tax year.

Attach a statement to the corporation’s tax return, explaining that the corporation qualifies for a tax extension because it meets one of the following requirements:

  1. It is a foreign corporation that maintains an office or place of business in the United States
  2. It is a domestic corporation that transacts its business and keeps its books and records of account outside the United States and Puerto Rico, or
  3. It is a domestic corporation whose principal income is from sources within the possessions of the United States

If the corporation is unable to file its return within the 3-month tax extension, check Box 4 on Tax Form 7004 to request an additional 3-month tax extension.

Note that there are exceptions for certain partnerships as well. Partnerships that keep their records and books outside the United States and Puerto Rico are entitled to a 2-month extension of time to file and pay, if applicable.

You do not need to file Tax Form 7004 if the partnership is taking the 2-month extension of time to file and pay. Attach a statement to the partnership’s tax return declaring that the partnership qualifies for a tax extension. If the partnership is unable to file its return within the 2-month period, check Box 4 on Tax Form 7004 to request an additional tax extension ― up to 3 months for partnerships filing Tax Form 1065, and up to 4 months for partnerships filing Tax Form 1065-B.

Line 5a

If you do not file using a calendar year, complete the lines showing the beginning and ending dates for your tax year.

Line 5b

Check the applicable box for the reason why you are filing a short tax year. To be able to check the box for “Change in accounting period,” the entity must have applied for approval to change its tax year, unless certain conditions have been met. For more information, see Tax Form 1128 (Application to Adopt, Change, or Retain a Tax Year) and Publication 538 (Accounting Periods and Methods).

Line 6

Enter the total amount of tax, including any nonrefundable tax credits, the entity expects to owe for the tax year. (See the specific instructions for the applicable tax return to estimate the amount of the tentative tax you will owe. If you expect this amount to be zero, enter -0-.)

Line 7

Enter the total amount of payments and refundable tax credits. (For information about “write-in” payments and credits, see the instructions for the applicable tax return.)

Line 8

Tax Form 7004 does not extend the time you have to pay the tax due. If the entity is a corporation or affiliated group of corporations filing a consolidated return, the corporation must remit the amount of the unpaid tax liability (shown on Line 8) on or before the due date of the return.

Domestic corporations must deposit all income tax payments by using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or with Tax Form 8109 (Federal Tax Deposit Coupon) by the due date of the original return. If you file Tax Form 7004 electronically, you can pay online by Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW). See a Tax Form 8878-A (IRS e-file Electronic Funds Withdrawal Authorization) for Form 7004. If the corporation expects to have a net operating loss carryback, the corporation can reduce the amount to be deposited to the extent of the overpayment resulting from the carryback ― provided that all other prior year tax liabilities have been fully paid, and Tax Form 1138 (Extension of Time for Payment of Taxes by a Corporation Expecting a Net Operating Loss Carryback) is filed with Tax Form 7004.

Foreign corporations that maintain an office or place of business in the United States should pay their tax as described above for domestic corporations. For foreign corporations that do not maintain an office or place of business in the United States and need to make a payment, see the “Note” below.

A trust (Tax Form 1041), electing large partnership (Tax Form 1065-B), or REMIC (Tax Form 1066) will be granted a tax extension even if it cannot pay the full amount shown on Line 8. However, it should pay as much as it can to limit the amount of penalties and interest it will owe. If the trust, electing large partnership, or REMIC needs to make a payment, see the “Note” below.

If you are requesting an extension of time to file Tax Form 1042, see the deposit rules in the Instructions for the form to determine how payment must be made.

[Note: On all checks or money orders, write the entity’s taxpayer identification number (TIN), the type of tax return, and the tax year to which the payment applies. Make the check or money order payable to “United States Treasury.”]

Other Tax Extension Forms

  • Tax Form 1138 (Extension of Time for Payment of Taxes by a Corporation Expecting a Net Operating Loss Carryback)
  •  Tax Form 2350 (Application for Automatic 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) ― foreign earned income tax exclusion and/or foreign housing tax exclusion or tax deduction.
  • Tax Form 4768 (Application for Extension of Time to File a Return and/or Pay U. S. Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes)
  • Tax Form 5558 (Application for Extension of Time to File Certain Employee Plan Returns)
  • Tax Form 8809 (Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns)
  • Tax Form 8868 (Application for Extension of Time to File Exempt Organization Return)
  • Tax Form 8892 (Application for Automation for Extension of Time to File Tax Form 709 and/or Payment of Gift or Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax)

Personal Income Tax Extensions

Personal Income Tax Extensions

Before you decide to file for a personal tax extension you need to be well aware of the rules and guidelines. It is important to know what the IRS is expecting from you, as well as what you get when you file for a tax extension.

Once you are familiar with the following information, you should be able to request an extension of time to file with little to no difficulty:

First things first, a tax extension must be filed by April 15th. This is the original due date of the standard 1040 income tax form. If you miss this deadline without requesting a tax extension, the IRS will assume you are a delinquent taxpayer.

You should know well in advance if you are going to need a tax extension. Since filing for an extension is relatively easy, there is really no excuse for missing the April 15th deadline.

As you move forward, note that an extension gives you more time to file your tax return. A tax extension does not give you additional time to pay any taxes you owe. If you owe taxes, you need to send your payment to the IRS by April 15th to avoid a penalty.

If you realize that you need to file a tax extension, you must complete and submit Tax Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) to the IRS. Once you’ve requested a tax extension, your return will be due six months after the original deadline, which is October 15th.

If you need even more time to file, you can include a personal letter to the IRS explaining why you require more than a six month extension. If approved, you may be granted an additional two months which will make your tax return due by December 15th of the same year.

While filling out Tax Form 4868 you will need to provide personal information such as your Social Security number, address, and an estimate of the amount of tax that you owe. Since you are not filing a complete return, you can estimate your tax liability and then pay that amount.

If you are due a tax refund you do not need to file a tax extension. There is no penalty for filing late unless you owe the IRS additional money. To determine if you owe money or are due a tax refund, you will have to fill out some portions of your income tax return (i.e. Form 1040).

The IRS does not require taxpayers to explain or give reasons for their tax extension request. That being said, additional extensions are rare, though special rules may apply for taxpayers living outside the country or serving active military duty.

Requesting a Tax Extension

If you are due a tax refund, the filing process is much less stressful because you don’t have to request extra time. On the other hand, if you owe additional money you will need to file a tax extension while also arranging to make a payment.

Obtain a copy of IRS Tax Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return). This one-page form will help you get a six month automatic extension to file your taxes. You can call the IRS to request this form or print it out online. If you are working with a tax professional, they can supply you with a tax extension form as well as any others that you may need.

Fill out Tax Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) and submit it to the IRS by the due date, which is April 15. Note that Form 4868 can be filed electronically or by paper mail.

It would be in your best interest to pay in full, but sometimes this is not possible. Again, you are not buying yourself more time to pay your taxes when you file for a tax extension. The longer you wait to pay, the more you will owe in late fees.

While filling out Tax Form 4868 you will need to provide personal information such as your Social Security number, address, and an estimate of the amount of tax that you owe. Since you are not filing a complete return, you can estimate your tax liability and then pay that amount.

If you are due a tax refund you do not need to file a tax extension. There is no penalty for filing late unless you owe the IRS additional money. To determine if you owe money or are due a tax refund, you will have to fill out some portions of your income tax return (i.e. Form 1040).

The IRS does not require taxpayers to explain or give reasons for their tax extension request. That being said, additional extensions are rare, though special rules may apply for taxpayers living outside the country or serving active military duty.

Reasons You May Need a Tax Extension

In some situations, a tax extension is absolutely necessary. However, some people file for an extension every year even if they don’t actually need one. While this is not a good habit, it is something that taxpayers are able to do.

If you are not in the United States when your tax return is due, you will probably need a tax extension. Not only can you get a six month extension, but the IRS may grant you two additional months if you explain your situation to them.

You never know when an emergency (personal or financial) will pop up and force you to drop everything else. If this happens during tax season, you should file a tax extension. It will give you six more months to file and, more importantly, you won’t have to worry about organizing your taxes during this difficult time of your life.

Are you having a difficult time finding all the receipts that you accumulated during the past year? Did you misplace your W-2 or 1099s? While you could rush to file your taxes with what you have, there is no good reason you should take that risk. Rushing through your tax return often leads to mistakes ― and those mistakes can be costly.

If you wait too long to schedule an appointment with your tax professional, you may find that he or she is booked up through April 15th. Rather than filing your own return (which is risky if you don’t know what you’re doing), you can request a tax extension. When the madness of tax season dies down, you can then visit with your tax professional and take things from there.

To request a tax extension, fill out IRS Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) and submit it to the IRS by April 15. Keep in mind that you must also send payment for any taxes due. Taxpayers may also file for an online tax extension at websites such as: FileLater.com.

Whether or not you apply for a tax extension is your decision. If you are facing any of the issues above, an extension may be just what you’re looking for. Remember, it is better to take advantage of a tax extension than to file and pay late.

What Is a Tax Extension?

What Is a Tax Extension?

Need more time to file? File an IRS tax extension and you can wait until October 15th to file your income tax return, with no penalties whatsoever.

An IRS tax extension allows you to put-off tax day for six additional months. The IRS will gladly give you this extra time to file, even if you owe taxes. As long as you apply for your tax extension on or before the original filing deadline (typically April 15th) and then file your return by October 15th, you will not be penalized.

It’s important to note that filing a tax extension is not a free pass to ignore your taxes. Rather, it’s an agreement with the IRS that you will file your taxes within the six extra months you’ve been granted. Once you file the extension, it’s recommended that you take the proper steps to file your actual return. Once October 15th rolls around, there is absolutely no delaying your taxes any further.

Also remember this: a tax extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owe taxes, you must still send your payment to the IRS by the original due date of your return (usually April 15th). Keep this in mind when you are filing for a tax extension using IRS Tax Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return), because you must report any balance due in Part II of that form. Your payment should be submitted with your 4868 Tax Form ― otherwise, you will be charged interest on any amount that not paid by the original deadline.

Who Can Get a Tax Extension?

Almost everyone qualifies to file for an income tax extension. The IRS doesn’t ask you to submit any explanation as to why you want or need an extension. Almost all rejected extensions are the result of submitting incorrect information, such as a name or Social Security Number that does not match IRS records.

Any taxpayer who needs to file a Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) can do so. There is virtually no restriction when it comes to personal extensions for taxpayers. The IRS realizes that some people just can’t make the date and need more time to organize their financial documents.

The main caveat for successfully filing your tax extension is that the information needs to be correct. If anything is wrong on your application, then the IRS will reject your request. Also make sure that your information is up-to-date. If you submit old information (like an old address) then your tax extension request may be turned down.

It is easier to get a tax extension than many people believe. Once you know how to do it, you will be able to file for an extension any year that it is necessary.