extension of time to file your tax return 9

Get an extension to file your tax return Internal Revenue Service

For example, if you need an extension for estate taxes, you might need Form 4768. All these forms and more — plus detailed explanations of when to use them — are available on the IRS website. You may also get an automatic extension if you’re in a disaster area. This depends on decisions from agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Those in the military on duty outside of the U.S. and Puerto Rico also receive an automatic two-month extension.

They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

• The IRS provides additional time for military personnel serving in combat zones and for taxpayers living outside the United States.
• An extension gives you or your accountant extra time to go over your return to make sure everything is complete and accurate before you send it in.
• It also doesn’t apply to a spouse for any period the service member is hospitalized in the U.S. for injuries incurred in a combat zone or contingency operation.
• For example, if you’re going to be out of town right around the time your return is due, it might be easier to request an extension.

Extensions for business and other types of returns

If you’re unable to pay taxes because of financial hardship, you can ask the IRS for an installment payment plan. In most cases, you can arrange one with the online payment application tool. Should they need more time to file their taxes, they can also apply for an additional extension if they complete Form 4868. However, the extension doesn’t apply to a spouse for any tax year beginning more than two years after the area in question ceases to be a combat zone or an operation ceases to be a contingency operation. It also doesn’t apply to a spouse for any period the service member is hospitalized in the U.S. for injuries incurred in a combat zone or contingency operation.

Government information

Tyler Horn, head of planning at Origin, an all-in-one financial management platform, says there are many pros for filing for an extension—the primary one being that taxpayers don’t have to rush. To help you decide if it’s better for you to request an extension or file your return now, see Pros and Cons of Getting a Tax Extension. Filing a tax extension can provide much-needed breathing room, allowing you to gather necessary documents and ensure your tax return is accurate.

Taxes can be challenging whether or not you decide to take advantage of a tax extension this year. However, if you want to get the most out of your extra time, answer any questions, and make sure your tax return is done right, make sure to extension of time to file your tax return come to TurboTax for the expert guidance you need. Some states accept the IRS tax extension rules, while others require you to file a separate state extension request. That means a tax extension may only apply to your federal return. An extension typically gives you six additional months to gather your forms and documents and file your return. If you need more time to finish your tax return — say, to gather financial documents or to calculate certain tax breaks — it’s easy to request an extension.

How do I know whether my tax extension was accepted?

It can take some work and maybe a consultation with a professional to determine whether you’re actually qualified to take certain deductions and credits—and whether it’s really in your best interest. Small organizations can meet the requirement by filing the Form 990-N (e-Postcard). The Form 990-N is filed directly with the IRS, and the filer must have an account with Login.gov or ID.me.

Common Questions About Tax Extensions

The deadline to file for an extension for a 2024 tax return is April 15, 2025. If approved, you will have until Oct. 15, 2025, to submit your return.Any money you owe Uncle Sam, however, are still due on Tax Day. To avoid fees and interest, you’ll need to estimate what you owe and send it to the IRS by April 15. But don’t worry if you can’t file your tax return before the deadline. Getting a tax filing extension that pushes your filing deadline back six months is easy. The deadline for filing your tax return and paying your tax is automatically extended if you serve in a combat zone or contingency operation.

What’s the New Tax Deadline?

If you mail a paper version of the form, it must be postmarked by the regular due date of your return. Postal Service to mail the form if you’re including a payment, since it must be delivered to a P.O. Box (private delivery services can’t deliver items to an IRS P.O. box). Here’s how you can request an extended deadline on your tax return for the 2025 tax season.

Have any states delayed their tax deadlines for 2025?

For those in a bind, a tax extension gives people an additional six months to file their federal return. The quick and free process gives Americans plenty of extra time to assemble their forms, work through complex tax situations and submit everything to the government without penalty. A U.S. citizen or resident files this form to request an automatic extension of time to file a U.S. individual income tax return. Remember, filing for an extension does not grant you more time to pay any taxes due.

• Here’s what to know about filing an extension for your tax return.
• It’s important to note, however, that according to the IRS, this extension is only for “filing” your returns.
• It essentially means you don’t have to complete your federal tax return by the regular due date, which is usually April 15 (unless this date falls on a weekend or holiday).
• If you don’t pay taxes on time, you will incur late penalties, but you can avoid these penalties by setting up a payment plan with the IRS.

Even if you can’t pay your full tax bill, file an extension and pay as much as you can. You can also explore payment plans with the IRS or your state. This year, the IRS also extended the deadline for 13 states due to natural disasters in those areas. All taxpayers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and certain locations in Alaska, New Mexico, and Virginia have until May 1 to file their returns.

For federal agencies

Filing a tax extension request using IRS Form 4868 asks the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to give you additional time to file your personal tax return. A major pro is that an extension moves the filing deadline ahead six months, from April to October. However, a major con is that it doesn’t give you extra time to pay taxes you might owe on that return.