{"id":353950,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:03","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/federal-taxes\/getting-an-extension-of-time-to-file-taxes.html"},"modified":"2025-04-16T09:09:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T14:09:45","slug":"getting-an-extension-of-time-to-file-taxes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/getting-an-extension-of-time-to-file-taxes.html","title":{"rendered":"Getting a Tax Filing Extension"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Get a Tax Filing Extension<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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To obtain a tax extension, you must apply by April 15 to receive an automatic six-month extension for filing your federal income tax return, extending the deadline to October 15. While this extension grants additional time to file, it does not extend the deadline for tax payments due, which remain due by the original filing date to avoid penalties. You can apply for this extension online or by submitting a paper Form 4868.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The IRS understands that some Americans may need more time to gather their tax information together. If you can’t meet the typical April 15 deadline<\/a> to file your federal income tax return, you can get an automatic six-month filing extension from the IRS.<\/p>\r\n

A tax extension gives you extra time to file your federal income tax return and helps avoid a late filing penalty<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

However, it does not extend the deadline to pay your taxes. You must still pay any tax due when you ultimately file your return.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we\u2019ll explain how to take advantage of the tax extension<\/a>, including the various methods to file for your extension. If you still have questions about your tax situation, consider meeting with a tax professional.<\/p>\r\n

Estimate Your Tax Due<\/h2>\r\n

Taxpayers must accurately estimate any tax due when they request a federal extension. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will charge interest<\/a> on any tax liability you don\u2019t pay by the April tax deadline. It will also assess a late payment penalty if you pay less than 90% of your total tax bill by that date.<\/p>\r\n

If you have the money to pay your entire tax bill, you can send it as early as you wish. However, the government doesn\u2019t require you to do this to obtain an extension.<\/p>\r\n

What is the Tax Extension Deadline?<\/h2>\r\n

You must apply for your tax extension no later than April 15 (or whatever the filing deadline<\/a> is for that year.)<\/p>\r\n

The good news is that there are many ways to request your extension. You can even do so online (see below).<\/p>\r\n

Can I File an IRS Extension Myself?<\/h2>\r\n

You can certainly file for an extension yourself. After all, it\u2019s your money. This shouldn’t be difficult if you typically file form 1040 or 1040EZ<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

However, if you have a more complicated tax return, you may want a tax attorney or accountant to help you file. The last thing you want to do is file your request improperly and owe late fees and penalties.<\/p>\r\n

Automatic Tax Extension by Filing or Making a Payment<\/h2>\r\n

If you cannot file your tax return by the due date, you should qualify for an automatic six-month extension of time to file. This will allow you to avoid the failure-to-file penalty<\/a> for not getting your return to the IRS by \u201cTax Day.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

For example, if your return is due April 15, your tax filing deadline will be pushed back to October 15.<\/p>\r\n

There are two ways to get the automatic extension:<\/p>\r\n