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Form 4868: Application for Automatic 6-Month Extension
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do not influence our editors’ opinions or ratingsForm 4868: Application for Automatic 6-Month Extension
Filing IRS Form 4868 gives you an automatic six-month extension to file your tax return. You can request an extension for free, but you still need to pay taxes owed by Tax Day.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
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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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Ask her and her talented team about why credit scores matter, how to save money on your grocery bill, finding the right side hustle, how to protect your identity for free and more.Previously, she led taxes and retirement coverage at NerdWallet.
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Pamela is a thought leader in content diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and finds ways to make every piece of content conversational and accessible to all.She is a graduate of the Maynard Institute's Maynard 200 program, and the National Association of Black Journalists Executive Leadership Academy. She is a two-time winner of the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists' President's Award. She was also founding co-chair of NerdWallet's Nerds of Color employee resource group.
She is a graduate of the Maynard Institute's Maynard 200 program, and the National Association of Black Journalists Executive Leadership Academy. She is a two-time winner of the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists' President's Award. She was also founding co-chair of NerdWallet's Nerds of Color employee resource group. Managing Editor + more + moreWhat is IRS Form 4868?
What is IRS Form 4868?IRS Form 4868, also known as an “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File,” is a document taxpayers can submit to the IRS if they need more time to file their individual federal tax returns. The cut-off date to submit Form 4868 for the 2025 tax year is April 15, 2026. Returns filed after this deadline are considered late.
IRS Form 4868, also known as an “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File,” is a document taxpayers can submit to the IRS if they need more time to file their individual federal tax returns. The cut-off date to submit Form 4868 for the 2025 tax year is April 15, 2026. Returns filed after this deadline are considered late.A successful application extends your tax filing deadline from mid-April to mid-October. The form can be filed for free electronically or by mail.
A successful application extends your tax filing deadline from mid-April to mid-October. The form can be filed for free electronically or by mail.» MORE: What happens if you don’t file, or file your taxes late?
» MORE: » MORE: What happens if you don’t file, or file your taxes late? AD Get reliable back tax relief with our team of A+ rated tax professionals Trusted & Top-Rated Nationwide — 4.9★ Google rating. Learn moreon Priority Tax Relief's website
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How does Form 4868 work?
How does Form 4868 work?Contrary to how it may sound, a tax extension won’t grant you more time to pay or deal with your tax bill. Submitting Form 4868 merely informs the agency that your tax return (typically Form 1040 and any related paperwork) will arrive late.
Contrary to how it may sound, a tax extension won’t grant you more time to pay or deal with your tax bill. Submitting Form 4868 merely informs the agency that your tax return (typically Form 1040 and any related paperwork) will arrive late.If you'll owe taxes, you'll need to estimate your tax bill and submit a payment by Tax Day along with your extension request.
If you'll owe taxes, you'll need to estimate your tax bill and submit a payment by Tax Day along with your extension request.Generally, your estimated payment should cover at least 90% of what you owe, and the remaining amount needs to be paid when you file your return. If your estimated payment doesn’t cover at least 90% of your liability, the IRS will charge interest and a late-payment penalty on the outstanding balance after Tax Day
Generally, your estimated payment should cover at least 90% of what you owe, and the remaining amount needs to be paid when you file your return. If your estimated payment doesn’t cover at least 90% of your liability, the IRS will charge interest and a late-payment penalty on the outstanding balance after Tax Day Internal Revenue Service. Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Accessed Dec 22, 2025. .» MORE: Dive deeper into the ins and outs of tax extensions
» MORE: » MORE: Dive deeper into the ins and outs of tax extensionsHow much extra time does Form 4868 give you?
How much extra time does Form 4868 give you?Form 4868 extends your tax filing deadline by six months, from mid-April to mid-October. The IRS generally doesn’t permit additional extensions beyond the initial six months. However, if you’re living abroad, serving in the military, or residing where a federally declared disaster occurred, you already may be eligible for an extension without having to ask for it.
Form 4868 extends your tax filing deadline by six months, from mid-April to mid-October. The IRS generally doesn’t permit additional extensions beyond the initial six months. However, if you’re living abroad, serving in the military, or residing where a federally declared disaster occurred, you already may be eligible for an extension without having to ask for it .When should I file Form 4868?
When should I file Form 4868?There are many reasons to consider filing Form 4868. The most common one is simply needing more time to collect paperwork. Other reasons include:
There are many reasons to consider filing Form 4868. The most common one is simply needing more time to collect paperwork. Other reasons include:You, your CPA or your tax preparer will not be able to finish your tax return by the deadline.
You, your CPA or your tax preparer will not be able to finish your tax return by the deadline.You cannot file on time because of a significant life, medical or travel event.
You cannot file on time because of a significant life, medical or travel event.You are missing or waiting on certain tax documents you need to file (e.g., a 1099 tax form or Schedule K-1).
You are missing or waiting on certain tax documents you need to file (e.g., a 1099 tax form or Schedule K-1 ).You want to avoid incurring a failure-to-file penalty.
You want to avoid incurring a failure-to-file penalty.You are self-employed and want extra time to set up a SEP plan, which you may fund until the tax extension deadline. Solo 401(k)s and SIMPLE plans can also be funded until the extension deadline.
You are self-employed and want extra time to set up a SEP plan, which you may fund until the tax extension deadline. Solo 401(k)s and SIMPLE plans can also be funded until the extension deadline.» MORE: What happens if you don’t pay your taxes?
» MORE: » MORE: What happens if you don’t pay your taxes?When not to file Form 4868
When not to file Form 4868Filing Form 4868 doesn't make sense if you’re putting off your return because you can’t afford the tax bill. A tax extension request won’t give you more time to figure out that payment, so the longer you wait to file or pay after Tax Day passes, the more interest and penalties accumulate.
Filing Form 4868 doesn't make sense if you’re putting off your return because you can’t afford the tax bill. A tax extension request won’t give you more time to figure out that payment, so the longer you wait to file or pay after Tax Day passes, the more interest and penalties accumulate.If you can’t afford a tax bill, try to file on time, pay as much as you can, and look into an IRS payment plan.
If you can’t afford a tax bill, try to file on time, pay as much as you can, and look into an IRS payment plan .» MORE: How to get tax relief or deal with tax debt
» MORE: » MORE: How to get tax relief or deal with tax debtWho can file Form 4868?
Who can file Form 4868?Most taxpayers can file Form 4868 to request an automatic six-month tax filing extension. You don’t need to give a reason for requesting an extension, but if your request is denied, the IRS will contact you to let you know why.
Most taxpayers can file Form 4868 to request an automatic six-month tax filing extension. You don’t need to give a reason for requesting an extension, but if your request is denied, the IRS will contact you to let you know why. AD Get reliable back tax relief with our team of A+ rated tax professionals Trusted & Top-Rated Nationwide — 4.9★ Google rating. Learn moreon Priority Tax Relief's website
AD Owe $10,000+ in IRS Back Taxes? Get Trusted Tax Help Today BBB Accredited, $500M+ tax debt resolved, free consultation. Learn moreon Alleviate Tax's website
How to file Form 4868
How to file Form 4868There are several ways to submit Form 4868.
There are several ways to submit Form 4868.By paper: Taxpayers can file Form 4868 by mail, but it must be postmarked by Tax Day.
By paper: By paper: Taxpayers can file Form 4868 by mail, but it must be postmarked by Tax Day.Electronically: IRS Free File, IRS Free Fillable Forms or tax-prep software can help you e-file your extension.
Electronically: Electronically: IRS Free File, IRS Free Fillable Forms or tax-prep software can help you e-file your extension.When you pay estimated taxes: This third option does away with the paperwork. When you pay your estimated tax bill using an IRS payment method such as Direct Pay, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or by credit or debit card, you can indicate that the payment is for an extension
When you pay estimated taxes: When you pay estimated taxes: This third option does away with the paperwork. When you pay your estimated tax bill using an IRS payment method such as Direct Pay, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or by credit or debit card, you can indicate that the payment is for an extension Internal Revenue Service. Topic No. 304, Extensions of Time to File Your Tax Return. Accessed Dec 22, 2025. .» MORE: 10 ways to make an IRS payment
» MORE: » MORE: 10 ways to make an IRS paymentWhat is the cost of filing Form 4868?
What is the cost of filing Form 4868?You can file a tax extension for free using IRS Free Fillable Forms online. Several IRS Free File providers also offer taxpayers free electronic extension filing, regardless of income level
You can file a tax extension for free using IRS Free Fillable Forms online. Several IRS Free File providers also offer taxpayers free electronic extension filing, regardless of income level Internal Revenue Service. Free File: Everyone Can File an Extension for Free. Accessed Dec 22, 2025. . You can also mail it in, which will mean paying for postage.If you’re already committed to a particular tax-prep software, many brand-name providers also offer free extension filing, but they may collect fees for the service the closer you are to the tax filing deadline.
If you’re already committed to a particular tax-prep software, many brand-name providers also offer free extension filing, but they may collect fees for the service the closer you are to the tax filing deadline.» MORE: How to file your taxes for free
» MORE: » MORE: How to file your taxes for freeHow to fill out Form 4868
How to fill out Form 4868Form 4868 asks you to supply basic information, such as your name, address, Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). If you owe taxes, you’ll also need to include an estimate of that bill and the amount of payment you’re making.
Form 4868 asks you to supply basic information, such as your name, address, Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number ( ITIN ). If you owe taxes, you’ll also need to include an estimate of that bill and the amount of payment you’re making.You can estimate your taxes by referencing how much you owed last year if your income has not changed drastically. You can also estimate your taxes using a tax calculator or tax-prep software. However, working with a tax pro or using IRS Form 1040-ES may ensure a closer estimate.
You can estimate your taxes by referencing how much you owed last year if your income has not changed drastically. You can also estimate your taxes using a tax calculator or tax-prep software. However, working with a tax pro or using IRS Form 1040-ES may ensure a closer estimate.» MORE: How to find the best tax preparer near you
» MORE: » MORE: How to find the best tax preparer near youWhere to download Form 4868
Where to download Form 4868If you’re using tax software, most programs will help you fill out the form, tally your estimated taxes and e-file the form along with payment.
If you’re using tax software, most programs will help you fill out the form, tally your estimated taxes and e-file the form along with payment.If you’re submitting a paper form, you can download a printable IRS Form 4868 directly from the agency's website
If you’re submitting a paper form, you can download a printable IRS Form 4868 directly from the agency's website Internal Revenue Service. About Form 4868. Accessed Dec 22, 2025. .» MORE: See our top picks for tax software
» MORE: » MORE: See our top picks for tax softwareWhere to mail Form 4868
Where to mail Form 4868Filing a paper extension by mail requires a few additional steps. Once your form is ready, mail it to your state's applicable IRS or Treasury Department address.
Filing a paper extension by mail requires a few additional steps. Once your form is ready, mail it to your state's applicable IRS or Treasury Department address.If you’re sending in a payment with your request extension, the check or money order should be made out to the “United States Treasury.” Include your Social Security number and phone number, as well as a note that lists the tax year and what the check is for (e.g., 2025 Form 4868).
If you’re sending in a payment with your request extension, the check or money order should be made out to the “United States Treasury.” Include your Social Security number and phone number, as well as a note that lists the tax year and what the check is for (e.g., 2025 Form 4868).The IRS doesn't accept cash payments for paper extensions. For more information, see the Form 4868 instructions.
The IRS doesn't accept cash payments for paper extensions. For more information, see the Form 4868 instructions .State of residence
State of residence
State of residenceIf you’re sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:
If you’re sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:
If you’re sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:If you’re not sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:
If you’re not sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:
If you’re not sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas.
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 1302 Charlotte, NC 28201-1302.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 1302 Charlotte, NC 28201-1302.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.Arizona, New Mexico.
Arizona, New Mexico.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503, Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503, Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 931300 Louisville, KY 40293-1300.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 931300 Louisville, KY 40293-1300.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Kansas City, MO 64999-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Kansas City, MO 64999-0045.Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.
Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Ogden, UT 84201-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Ogden, UT 84201-0045.Arkansas, Oklahoma.
Arkansas, Oklahoma.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 931300 Louisville, KY 40293-1300.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 931300 Louisville, KY 40293-1300.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Kansas City, MO 64999-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Kansas City, MO 64999-0045.For more information on where to send a paper extension request if you live in a foreign country, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, use an APO or FPO address, are a dual-status citizen or nonpermanent residents of Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands, see the instructions for Form 4868.
For more information on where to send a paper extension request if you live in a foreign country, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, use an APO or FPO address, are a dual-status citizen or nonpermanent residents of Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands, see the instructions for Form 4868 .Don’t forget about the Form 4868 deadline
Don’t forget about the Form 4868 deadlineKnowing you’ve bought yourself a few extra months to file can bring relief, but don’t forget to mark your calendar with that new October deadline. If you miss the tax extension deadline, the IRS won’t offer additional options, and those fees and penalties will begin to pile up.
Knowing you’ve bought yourself a few extra months to file can bring relief, but don’t forget to mark your calendar with that new October deadline. If you miss the tax extension deadline , the IRS won’t offer additional options, and those fees and penalties will begin to pile up.Helpful resources
Helpful resources How Federal Tax Brackets and Rates Work Capital Gains Tax: Long and Short-Term Rates for 2025-2026 How to Fill Out Your W-4 Form and When to Adjust It More like this Taxes 2026 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates The IRS adjusts the federal tax brackets annually to keep pace with inflation. The 2026 tax brackets apply to taxes filed in 2027. Bella Avila Standard Deduction for 2025 and 2026: Amounts, When to Take The standard deduction is a popular way for taxpayers to reduce their taxable income. Your deduction amount depends on your age, filing status and other factors. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem Capital Gains Tax: Long and Short-Term Rates for 2025-2026 Capital gains are the profits from the sale of assets. They can be subject to short-term or long-term tax rates. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem 25 Popular Tax Deductions and Tax Breaks for 2025-2026 A deduction cuts the income you're taxed on, which can mean a lower bill. A credit cuts your tax bill directly. Learn more about common tax breaks and write-offs — and how to claim them. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem Federal Income Tax Calculator and Refund Estimator 2025-2026 Estimate your 2026 tax refund or bill using our free income tax calculator. Enter your income, age and filing status to get started. Sabrina Parys How Federal Tax Brackets and Rates Work Contrary to popular belief, your income isn't taxed at just one rate. The U.S. has a progressive tax system, meaning different portions of your income get taxed at different rates. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem 2025 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates The 2025 federal income tax rates range from 10% to 37% and apply to taxes due by April of this year. Find out which bracket you're in. Bella Avila 2026 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates The IRS adjusts the federal tax brackets annually to keep pace with inflation. The 2026 tax brackets apply to taxes filed in 2027. Bella Avila Standard Deduction for 2025 and 2026: Amounts, When to Take The standard deduction is a popular way for taxpayers to reduce their taxable income. Your deduction amount depends on your age, filing status and other factors. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem Capital Gains Tax: Long and Short-Term Rates for 2025-2026 Capital gains are the profits from the sale of assets. They can be subject to short-term or long-term tax rates. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem 25 Popular Tax Deductions and Tax Breaks for 2025-2026 A deduction cuts the income you're taxed on, which can mean a lower bill. A credit cuts your tax bill directly. Learn more about common tax breaks and write-offs — and how to claim them. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem Federal Income Tax Calculator and Refund Estimator 2025-2026 Estimate your 2026 tax refund or bill using our free income tax calculator. Enter your income, age and filing status to get started. Sabrina Parys How Federal Tax Brackets and Rates Work Contrary to popular belief, your income isn't taxed at just one rate. The U.S. has a progressive tax system, meaning different portions of your income get taxed at different rates. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem 2025 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates The 2025 federal income tax rates range from 10% to 37% and apply to taxes due by April of this year. Find out which bracket you're in. Bella Avila 2026 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates The IRS adjusts the federal tax brackets annually to keep pace with inflation. The 2026 tax brackets apply to taxes filed in 2027. Bella Avila Standard Deduction for 2025 and 2026: Amounts, When to Take The standard deduction is a popular way for taxpayers to reduce their taxable income. Your deduction amount depends on your age, filing status and other factors. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem Capital Gains Tax: Long and Short-Term Rates for 2025-2026 Capital gains are the profits from the sale of assets. They can be subject to short-term or long-term tax rates. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem 25 Popular Tax Deductions and Tax Breaks for 2025-2026 A deduction cuts the income you're taxed on, which can mean a lower bill. A credit cuts your tax bill directly. Learn more about common tax breaks and write-offs — and how to claim them. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem Get started Get startedon Larson Tax Relief's website
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