- A tax extension gives you an extra six months to file your federal tax return.
- It doesn't extend the date to pay your tax bill if you owe money.
- It's free to get a tax extension, but you could face penalties if you don't pay your bill.
Anyone can file a tax extension. Whether you've been out of town, are facing an emergency, or just don't have your paperwork in order, you might need more time to file your taxes.
The good news is that the IRS doesn't care why you need an extension, just that you request it in the first place. Here are the rules around federal tax extensions.
Federal tax extension
Tax day is April 15, 2025. An extension gives you six extra months to file your federal tax return, making Oct. 15 your new filing deadline. However, it doesn't give you an extension on payment.
If you owe money, you'll need to make a payment by tax day in order to avoid penalties and interest.
"Most people think that if they owe the IRS, this waives a few extra months for payment when that is not the case," says Nakiea S. Cook, an accountant and the owner of NC Accounting & Consulting Solutions. "In fact, you can compute the amount you owe and send payment with your tax extension form."
There are three ways to get an extension:
- Use an online payment option to pay all or part of your tax liability and check the box for an automatic extension
- Use IRS Free File, regardless of income level
- Fill out Form 4868 and mail it
You should also be able to get a tax-filing extension if you have an account with a tax software program such as H&R Block or TurboTax. You can't file a tax extension after April 18.
Note: Automatic extensions are granted to people in a federally declared disaster area, military personnel stationed abroad or serving in a combat zone, and citizens or resident aliens living outside the U.S.
State tax extensions
Many states also allow taxpayers to request a six-month extension for filing state tax returns. Check out your state government website for information about tax deadlines and extensions.
Key information needed for an extension request
You'll provide some personal information including your address, Social Security number, and estimated tax liability. If you're filing with your spouse, you'll need their SSN as well.
Nonresidents will need an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). If you don't have one, you can apply for one through the IRS.
If you owe, you'll also need to submit your payment or set up a payment with the IRS online or by completing Form 9465. "If you don't have the means to make payment, still file [your tax return] as the penalty for not filing is severe," Cook says.
Paying your taxes with an extension
If you're paying electronically, you don't need to fill out any extra paperwork. The IRS automatically processes an extension when you pay all or part of your estimated income tax from your bank account, a debit card, a credit card, or a digital wallet.
However, in order to avoid a penalty, you'll need to have paid at least 90% of the tax for the current year or 100% of the tax shown for the prior year, whichever is less. For married couples filing jointly with an adjusted gross income of $150,000 or higher, the withholding must be at least 110% of the total tax owed for the prior year ($75,000 if filing separately).
Generally, you can avoid the penalty if you owe less than $1,000. Special rules apply to certain individuals like farmers, fishermen, and certain household employers.
Tips for filing a tax extension
If you know you won't be able to get your return completed by April 15, file for an extension as soon as possible. The IRS does not accept extension requests after April 18.
Remember that you'll need to pay your bill, or as much as you can, by the April deadline, even if you request an extension. Make a good-faith estimate of what you owe to avoid underpayment penalties and interest on any outstanding balance.
If you're unsure how to estimate your liability or need assistance filing an extension, reach out to a tax professional or visit your local Taxpayer Assistance Center.
FAQs on filing a tax extension
No, you don't need to explain why you're requesting a tax extension. Extensions are automatically granted for federal tax returns.
October 15 is generally the latest deadline available, but there may be exceptions.
If you don't file your taxes by the deadline, the IRS will charge you interest on the unpaid balance and a late payment penalty, ranging from 5% to 25% of the amount owed each month it goes unpaid.
