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How to File a Tax Extension Online in 2026
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do not influence our editors’ opinions or ratingsHow to File a Tax Extension Online in 2026
For most people, April 15 is the final day to request a tax extension. Here's where and how to file one.
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Editor & Content Strategist
Expertise Taxes InvestingSabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet, where she manages and writes content on personal income taxes. Her previous experience includes five years as a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. She is based in Brooklyn, New York.
Sabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet, where she manages and writes content on personal income taxes. Her previous experience includes five years as a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. She is based in Brooklyn, New York. Published in Editor & Content Strategist + more + more
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11 years of experienceChris Hutchison helped build NerdWallet's editorial operation and has directed coverage across banking, investing, taxes and insurance. He now leads a team exploring new verticals. Before joining NerdWallet, he was an editor and programmer at ESPN and an editor at the San Jose Mercury News.
Chris Hutchison helped build NerdWallet's editorial operation and has directed coverage across banking, investing, taxes and insurance. He now leads a team exploring new verticals. Before joining NerdWallet, he was an editor and programmer at ESPN and an editor at the San Jose Mercury News. Head of Content, New Verticals + more + more
Editor & Content Strategist
23 years of experience Expertise Taxes Small business Social Security and estate planning Home services RIATina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor and content strategist, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and an MBA. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance at public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.
Tina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor and content strategist, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and an MBA. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance at public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets. Published in Editor & Content Strategist + more + moreFiling a tax extension can be helpful for people who may be missing important tax documents or need extra time to complete their paperwork. Requesting one is relatively straightforward, as long as you do it by Tax Day.
Filing a tax extension can be helpful for people who may be missing important tax documents or need extra time to complete their paperwork. Requesting one is relatively straightforward, as long as you do it by Tax Day.There are several ways to request one, including using tax software, e-filing Form 4868 with the IRS or making an estimated tax payment. If you plan to work with a tax preparer, ask if they can file for an extension on your behalf.
There are several ways to request one, including using tax software, e-filing Form 4868 with the IRS or making an estimated tax payment. If you plan to work with a tax preparer , ask if they can file for an extension on your behalf.Most states automatically extend your state return if your federal extension is accepted. However, rules vary so check with your state to see if you need to file one separately.
Most states automatically extend your state return if your federal extension is accepted. However, rules vary so check with your state to see if you need to file one separately.What is a tax extension?
What is a tax extension?A tax extension — also known as Form 4868 — is a request for an additional six months to submit a tax return to the IRS. It moves the filing deadline from mid-April to mid-October.
A tax extension — also known as Form 4868 — is a request for an additional six months to submit a tax return to the IRS. It moves the filing deadline from mid-April to mid-October.Importantly, a tax extension doesn't actually buy you more time to pay your tax bill — it only moves your filing due date. If you owe the IRS, an estimated tax payment is still due by April 15.
Importantly, a tax extension doesn't actually buy you more time to pay your tax bill — it only moves your filing due date. If you owe the IRS, an estimated tax payment is still due by April 15.How to file a tax extension with the IRS
How to file a tax extension with the IRSIRS Free File: Free File is an IRS tax preparation service for taxpayers who make below a certain income, but anyone — regardless of income — can file a free extension through the program.
IRS Free File: IRS Free File: Free File is an IRS tax preparation service for taxpayers who make below a certain income, but anyone — regardless of income — can file a free extension through the program.By mail: You can apply for a tax extension on paper by filling out Form 4868 and sending it to the IRS through the Postal Service. Make sure to get proof that you mailed it, and note that it must be postmarked by April 15.
By mail: By mail: You can apply for a tax extension on paper by filling out Form 4868 and sending it to the IRS through the Postal Service. Make sure to get proof that you mailed it, and note that it must be postmarked by April 15.IRS Direct Pay: Because a tax extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay, it's a good idea to estimate your taxes owed and make a payment along with your extension request. Direct Pay allows you to note that you're requesting an extension while you're making that payment, which does away with you having to submit Form 4868 altogether.
IRS Direct Pay: IRS Direct Pay: Because a tax extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay, it's a good idea to estimate your taxes owed and make a payment along with your extension request. Direct Pay allows you to note that you're requesting an extension while you're making that payment, which does away with you having to submit Form 4868 altogether.
Nerdy Tip: Mail isn’t always postmarked the day you drop it in a mailbox. If you’re filing close to the deadline, go to the post office and request a manual postmark to avoid penalties.
Nerdy Tip: Nerdy Tip: Mail isn’t always postmarked the day you drop it in a mailbox. If you’re filing close to the deadline, go to the post office and request a manual postmark to avoid penalties.How to file a tax extension using tax software
How to file a tax extension using tax softwareIf you’re using tax software this year, one of the easier ways to request a federal tax extension is directly through the provider. You can simply follow the program’s instructions and see how to file a tax extension electronically. The IRS will send you an electronic acknowledgment when you submit the form.
If you’re using tax software this year, one of the easier ways to request a federal tax extension is directly through the provider. You can simply follow the program’s instructions and see how to file a tax extension electronically. The IRS will send you an electronic acknowledgment when you submit the form.Here’s a quick glance at how to file a free extension with some popular tax software programs
Here’s a quick glance at how to file a free extension with some popular tax software programsProvider
Provider
ProviderHow to file an extension
How to file an extension
How to file an extensionFreeTax USA
FreeTax USALog in, select Account in the upper-right corner, then choose File an Extension.
Log in, select Account Account in the upper-right corner, then choose File an Extension. File an Extension.H&R Block
H&R BlockLog in and go to the Overview tab. Under Tax Filing Resources, select File an extension and follow the prompts to e-file.
Log in and go to the Overview Overview tab. Under Tax Filing Resources, select File an extension File an extension and follow the prompts to e-file.Available mid-March.
Available mid-March. Available mid-March.TaxAct
TaxActLog in and select File → File Extension from the sidebar, then follow the interview prompts.
Log in and select File → File Extension File → File Extension from the sidebar, then follow the interview prompts.TaxSlayer
TaxSlayerLog in and search for Form 4868 using the Form Search tool.
Log in and search for Form 4868 Form 4868 using the Form Search tool. Form Search tool.TurboTax
TurboTaxLog in to your account and go to Tax Tools → File an Extension. You can also file using the Easy Tax Extension tool.
Log in to your account and go to Tax Tools → File an Extension. Tax Tools → File an Extension. You can also file using the Easy Tax Extension tool .Available in March.
Available in March. Available in March.» Ready to file? See our picks for the best tax software this year
» Ready to file? » Ready to file? See our picks for the best tax software this yearHow tax extensions work
How tax extensions work If you expect to owe taxes If you expect to owe taxesRequest a tax extension by the deadline to avoid incurring a late-filing fee. Then, estimate your tax bill and pay to avoid interest and penalties. Paying at least 90% of what you owe can reduce or help you avoid a late-payment penalty. You can use Form 1040-ES or tax software to estimate your liability.
Request a tax extension by the deadline to avoid incurring a late-filing fee. Then, estimate your tax bill and pay to avoid interest and penalties. Paying at least 90% of what you owe can reduce or help you avoid a late-payment penalty . You can use Form 1040-ES or tax software to estimate your liability.If you can’t pay in full, the IRS recommends you pay what you can to minimize fees or explore IRS payment plans that can help you pay off your balance in increments over time.
If you can’t pay in full, the IRS recommends you pay what you can to minimize fees or explore IRS payment plans that can help you pay off your balance in increments over time. If you expect a refund If you expect a refundThe IRS does not impose a penalty on tax returns that are filed late if you're due a refund. However, filing a tax extension anyway could be a good idea. For example, if you miscalculate and end up with a tax bill, a tax extension will get you out of a late-filing penalty.
The IRS does not impose a penalty on tax returns that are filed late if you're due a refund. However, filing a tax extension anyway could be a good idea. For example, if you miscalculate and end up with a tax bill, a tax extension will get you out of a late-filing penalty.What is the last day to request an extension?
What is the last day to request an extension?The last day to submit an extension request is April 15. If a tax return is filed after this date without a valid extension attached, the IRS will consider it late. Penalties and fees will start to accrue if you have a tax bill.
The last day to submit an extension request is April 15. If a tax return is filed after this date without a valid extension attached, the IRS will consider it late. Penalties and fees will start to accrue if you have a tax bill.If you are an American citizen living abroad, the federal deadline to file your income tax return or to request a four-month extension is June 15. However, keep in mind that your payment deadline is still April 15.
If you are an American citizen living abroad, the federal deadline to file your income tax return or to request a four-month extension is June 15. However, keep in mind that your payment deadline is still April 15.How automatic tax extensions work
How automatic tax extensions workSome people don’t need to worry about applying for tax extensions because they automatically get more time if they meet certain criteria.
Some people don’t need to worry about applying for tax extensions because they automatically get more time if they meet certain criteria.U.S. citizens or residents who lived and worked outside of the country on the tax filing deadline may automatically get two extra months to file their return without having to request a tax extension. If you need additional time beyond those two months, you have to file for an extension by the mid-June deadline to extend your filing deadline to October.
U.S. citizens or residents who lived and worked outside of the country on the tax filing deadline may automatically get two extra months to file their return without having to request a tax extension. If you need additional time beyond those two months, you have to file for an extension by the mid-June deadline to extend your filing deadline to October.Some military members also automatically get extra time, depending on where they are and what they’re doing. The amount of extra time here depends on where the service member is and what they are doing. For example, soldiers in combat areas can get an extra 180 days from their last day in a combat zone to file their tax returns. Hospitalization due to combat injury can prolong the extension.
Some military members also automatically get extra time, depending on where they are and what they’re doing. The amount of extra time here depends on where the service member is and what they are doing. For example, soldiers in combat areas can get an extra 180 days from their last day in a combat zone to file their tax returns. Hospitalization due to combat injury can prolong the extension.People living in areas affected by certain natural disasters may automatically get more time, too.
People living in areas affected by certain natural disasters may automatically get more time, too.Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questionsNo. In fact, filing a tax extension can help you avoid a late-filing penalty. As long as you file an extension by the deadline and pay an estimate of your taxes owed, you are given a few extra months to get your cards in order.
No. In fact, filing a tax extension can help you avoid a late-filing penalty . As long as you file an extension by the deadline and pay an estimate of your taxes owed, you are given a few extra months to get your cards in order.Nothing. Filers can submit a tax extension for free up until the April 15 deadline.
Nothing. Filers can submit a tax extension for free up until the April 15 deadline.You can't request more than one tax extension per return.
You can't request more than one tax extension per return.The rules for requesting a state tax extension can vary. In some states, you might have to file an additional form, while in others, it might automatically be granted if you miss the original tax deadline. In certain states, a federal tax extension also serves as a state extension. Illinois, for example, automatically extends the state tax return deadline to mid-October if a person's federal tax extension is approved.
The rules for requesting a state tax extension can vary. In some states, you might have to file an additional form, while in others, it might automatically be granted if you miss the original tax deadline. In certain states, a federal tax extension also serves as a state extension. Illinois , for example, automatically extends the state tax return deadline to mid-October if a person's federal tax extension is approved.Your state's tax department is the easiest way to determine your state income tax deadline and how to file for a state tax extension.
Your state's tax department is the easiest way to determine your state income tax deadline and how to file for a state tax extension.» MORE: State income tax rates and brackets
» MORE: » MORE: State income tax rates and brackets About the authors Sabrina Parys Sabrina Parys Sabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet, where she manages and writes content on personal income taxes. Her work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post and Yahoo Finance. See full bio. Tina Orem Tina Orem Tina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Before becoming an editor and content strategist, she was NerdWallet's authority on taxes and small business. Her work has appeared in a variety of local and national outlets. See full bio.ON THIS PAGE
What is a tax extension? What is a tax extension? How to file a tax extension with the IRS How to file a tax extension with the IRS How to file a tax extension using tax software How to file a tax extension using tax software How tax extensions work How tax extensions work What is the last day to request an extension? What is the last day to request an extension? How automatic tax extensions work How automatic tax extensions work Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questionsON THIS PAGE
What is a tax extension? What is a tax extension? How to file a tax extension with the IRS How to file a tax extension with the IRS How to file a tax extension using tax software How to file a tax extension using tax software How tax extensions work How tax extensions work What is the last day to request an extension? What is the last day to request an extension? How automatic tax extensions work How automatic tax extensions work Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions More like this Taxes IRS Free File: What It Is, How It Works Interested in the IRS Free File service? All you need to know about the program, plus other IRS options for free tax filing. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem 10 Key IRS Tax Forms, Schedules and Publications for 2026 Here are some major IRS tax forms, schedules and publications everyone should know. Tina Orem 1040 Form: What It Is, How to Fill One Out in 2026 Here's what you need to know about Form 1040: the mother of all tax forms. 2 By Tina Orem, Sabrina Parys Get started Get startedon Priority Tax Relief's website
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