IRS Tax Extension Form 4868

The deadline to e-file a free IRS tax extension Form 4868 on eFile.com or anywhere is the Tax Day deadline, usually April 15. After this date, you can no longer e-file an extension for a given tax year. Not sure if you should file an extension or a return? Watch these tax deadline videos about tax return deadlines and tax extensions. The bottom line is: if you owe taxes by the deadline, file something (return or extension) even if you can't pay anything (your taxes) by April 15. Find out why!

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The information below applies year-to-year as you can only e-file an IRS tax extension from mid-March through April 15.

Prepare and e-file a return even if you can't pay your taxes by April 15. e-File your extension if you are still missing documents needed to file your income tax return. Keep in mind, a tax extension ONLY postpones the tax deadline to October and NOT the deadline to pay taxes due. You are not required to pay taxes when you e-file your return or extension, meaning you can pay after you file. Late filing penalties are generally much higher than late payment penalties.

Tip: If you filed an extension by April, then e-file your return by October 15 even if you can't pay your taxes on that date. You are not required to pay taxes when you e-file your return. This will keep your tax penalties at a minimum as the late filing penalty generally is larger than the late tax payment penalty. Estimate penalties if you DO NOT file by April 15, then start and eFile IT: IT is your Income Taxes!

Watch this Tax Deadline video

How to File an Extension Online?

To e-file Form 4868, the IRS federal tax extension form for individuals, just select the extension button above and eFileIT for free during the extension timeframe.

See simple instructions on how to eFile an IRS tax extension for free and/or pay IRS taxes. File your return or extension by April 15 or Tax Day.
When you pay estimated IRS taxes with your extension, if you overpay, you will receive a refund when you file your return.
View details and instructions for state tax extensions. Some states give automatic tax extensions based on the IRS extension. For other states, paying your taxes owed serves as a state tax extension. Thus, you would not have to file an extension form in that case; simply pay some or all your state taxes.
Follow these instructions on how to e-file a tax return after you have filed a tax extension.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IRS tax extension?

A tax extension gives you an additional 6 months to file your tax return, making your new deadline October 15. It is not an extension of time to pay your tax bill. You can e-file IRS Form 4868 by April 15.

What should I do before preparing and filing my tax return?

Educate yourself about your tax situation and use free tools to determine dependents, credits like the Earned Income Credit, or if you can file as head of household.

When should I e-file a tax extension?

You should e-file a federal tax extension by Tax Day, April 15. If filed, your new deadline will be around October 15.

Can I file an extension and not pay taxes?

Yes, even if you can't pay the taxes owed, you should still e-file a tax extension to avoid higher penalties for not filing anything.

What happens if I miss the deadline to e-file an extension?

If you miss the extension deadline, you should e-file your tax return as soon as possible to avoid further penalties, even if you can't pay your taxes right now.

What is the automatic tax extension for military members?

Members of the Armed Forces stationed outside the U.S. automatically receive a 2-month extension. If on active duty in a combat zone, the extension is 180 days plus any remaining time left to file.

What should I do if my tax extension is rejected?

If your tax extension is rejected, you should start on your tax return immediately. You can also re-file an extension depending on the rejection reason. There’s no penalty for late filing if you are due a refund.

How can I estimate how much I owe in taxes?

You can estimate your taxes using our free tax calculator or by starting a tax return on eFile.com to see your potential tax liability.

What if I’m a U.S. citizen living abroad?

If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien living abroad, your tax deadline to file returns is generally June 15, with an option for an extension until October 15.

Learn below if you should even file an extension or not; if you are owed a tax refund, then according to the IRS, a tax extension is not necessary. You can e-file Form 4868 or Form 2350 for free on eFile.com. After you have e-filed an IRS accepted tax extension, you can complete your taxes by October 15; all your tax extension information will be in your eFile.com account when you e-file.

Businesses can file or e-file Form 7004 for a 6-month extension to file business and information returns—search for free tax forms here.

Who Needs to File an Extension?

Filing an extension for taxes can be beneficial for several groups of people:

Individuals with Complicated Finances: If you have numerous sources of income, investments, or deductions that require more time to organize, an extension can help.
Self-Employed Individuals: Those who are self-employed often have more complex tax situations and might need extra time to gather all necessary documentation.
People Waiting on Documentation: If you're waiting for important tax documents (like K-1s or 1099s) that haven't arrived by the deadline, an extension can prevent penalties.
Those with Major Life Changes: Significant events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child can complicate your tax situation, making an extension a practical choice.
Taxpayers Who Moved: If you’ve moved to a different state or country, understanding the tax implications can take additional time.
First-Time Filers: New filers may find the process overwhelming and benefit from the extra time.

If you are owed a refund and just want more time to file, you do not need to file an extension. Keep in mind that an extension gives you more time to file your return, but it doesn't extend the time to pay any taxes owed.

If you owe taxes as a result of your tax return calculation, then prepare and e-file your extension or return no later than April 15; see state tax extensions.

IRS Tax Payment Options, Plans: We suggest you pay all your federal taxes (or as much or as little as you can afford) directly at the IRS site via this link (either before or after you have e-Filed the free tax extension): pay federal taxes directly to the IRS.
Direct State Tax Payment; File State Extension: Select this link for a list of online state tax payment options and resources. Your payment counts as a state extension with most states. If you do not owe taxes or can't afford to pay state taxes, view the linked page for details.

eFile Tax Tip: e-File something (return or extension) even if you can't pay anything
by April 15! After that date, the deadline is October 15 to file a return.

Once you have e-filed your return or extension by the deadline, you will not be subject to late filing penalties, but late tax payment penalties might still apply. If you have the funds to pay now, do so as that would reduce any late tax payment penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Filing Taxes Late?

Failure to file a tax return or an IRS tax extension by Tax Day for the current year can be costly. If taxes are owed, a delay in filing may result in penalty and interest charges that could increase your tax bill by 25 percent or more. There is no penalty for the late filing of a return on which a refund is given except for the delay of your refund. If you do not file or e-file and/or pay your taxes on time, you may be subject to IRS penalties.

Are you expecting a tax refund? You have three years from the original due date for any given tax year to claim your refund by filing a tax return. After that date, you will no longer be able to claim your tax refund. Don't become an IRS unclaimed tax refund statistic!
Are you expecting to owe taxes? If so, you might face two IRS penalties.
- 1. Late filing penalties: You can reduce potential late filing penalties immediately by e-filing an IRS and applicable state tax return, by April 15 even if you can't afford to pay your taxes. You can e-file a return or extension and pay as little or as much as you can afford. However, eFile something by April 15 even if you can't pay anything! It will spare you the late filing penalties.
- 2. Late tax payment penalties: When you eFile your tax return, pay as little or as much as you can afford. Here are many tax payment options for you.
Penalty estimator: Estimate your potential late filing or late payment IRS penalties plus state related penalties.

Did you know that most taxpayers can eFile a Free Federal Edition return on eFile.com? Dare to compare eFile.com versus H&R Block^® and TurboTax^®.

Can't pay the taxes you owe? Explore options to help you ease your tax burden now. You might also be able to apply for the Application for Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due to Undue Hardship via Form 1127.

How to File a State Tax Extension?

The requirements for filing a state tax extension vary from state to state based on tax extension filing deadlines, tax payment rules, or certain tax extension forms to fill out. Most states follow the deadline to file a federal tax return extension; find out how to file a state tax extension for a particular state.

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