How to File for a Tax Extension

What Is a Tax Extension?

A tax extension gives you six extra months to complete and file your federal tax return. If you can't finish your tax return on time for just about any reason, an automatic extension offers a bit of breathing room without triggering a late-filing penalty

When Is the 2026 Tax Extension Deadline?

Requesting an extension by April 15 extends your filing deadline to October 15, 2026. You are required to pay any taxes you owe—or a good faith estimate of your remaining balance—when you file your request.

Learn more: Tax Deadlines You Need to Know

When Are Taxes Due With an Extension?

Your tax payment is due in full on April 15, along with your request for an extension. An extension delays your deadline to file, but it doesn't postpone the date your tax payment is due. Expect to pay your total tax bill for the year, after factoring in the withholding and quarterly estimated tax payments you've already paid, when you request an extension.

Reasons to File a Tax Extension

You can request an extension for any reason, and you don't have to provide an explanation to the IRS. The primary reason to request a tax extension is that you need more time to complete your tax return. Common causes for delay include:

• Missing or wrong information: Your W-2 got lost in the mail. The 1099-INT from your bank showed the wrong amount of interest. Instead of filing your return with incorrect paperwork, request an extension and file when your information is complete.
• New Social Security number: If you had a baby last year and still haven't received their Social Security number, you may want to file for an extension just in case their Social Security card doesn't arrive by April 15.
• Out of time: Maybe you'll be traveling, you're recovering from a long illness, your business books aren't up to date or the tax deadline is literally today. An extension keeps you out of the IRS penalty zone.

Learn more: How to Pay Less Taxes

When Not to File a Tax Extension

Filing a tax extension isn't ideal if you need more time to pay the IRS, or if you want your refund ASAP. Here's how each scenario breaks down and what you might want to do instead.

• You need more time to pay. If you can't pay your tax bill by April 15, consider an IRS payment plan. These plans give you an additional six months to six years to pay off your tax debt, depending on your circumstances. You won't avoid penalties, interest or fees, but may find these costs are more forgiving when you have a payment plan in place. A plan will also hit pause on IRS collection efforts. Get more information at the IRS payment plan portal or by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040.
• You want your refund fast. The IRS won't issue a refund until your tax return is filed. If you're expecting a refund, complete your return as quickly as possible, with or without an extension.

Learn more: Will Your Tax Refund Be Bigger or Smaller?

Is There a Penalty for Filing a Tax Extension?

Your request for a tax extension is penalty-free and is likely to be accepted as long as you file it by April 15.

However, there are penalties for failing to file a tax return or failing to pay your taxes on time.

• Late payments: If your April 15 tax payment doesn't cover what you owe, you'll be charged interest on the unpaid balance. Interest charges will continue to accrue until your balance is paid. Additionally, if your payment is less than 90% of the full amount you owe, you may be charged a late payment penalty. Late payments are penalized at 0.5% per month for each month (or partial month) your tax payment is late, up to a maximum penalty of 25%.
• Late returns: If you fail to file your tax return by the regular or extended tax deadline, or fail to file a request for extension, you may be subject to a late filing penalty of 5% per month, up to a maximum of 25%.

How to File for a Tax Extension

​Filing an extension request with the IRS is simple. Here are three ways to get the job done:

1. Make an Electronic Extension Payment

You don't have to file a separate extension request when you make an online payment on the IRS payment portal and select "extension." When your payment is complete, you'll receive a confirmation to save for your files.

To make your payment, sign in to your IRS account and choose one of the following payment types:

• Direct pay from your bank account
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)
• Digital wallet (such as PayPal or Venmo)
• Credit or debit card

2. Use IRS Free File

You can file an electronic extension request using the IRS' free tax-filing software program, IRS Free File. You need to meet IRS income requirements to use Free File to complete your tax return, but anyone can use Free File to request an extension, regardless of income.

3. Mail in Form 4868

You can also request an automatic extension using IRS Form 4868. Here are three ways to fill it out and file it:

• Download a fillable Form 4868. Print it and mail to the address shown on the form.
• Use tax preparation software to e-file your form with the IRS.
• Ask your tax professional to file it for you.

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Do I Need to File a Tax Extension?

In a few instances, filing for an extension is not necessary because extensions are granted automatically. Here are three examples:

• Federally declared disaster: If you live in an area that's been affected by a FEMA-declared disaster, the government may automatically extend the deadlines for filing and paying your taxes. Check the IRS disaster relief page to see if an extended deadline is in effect in your area.
• Living and working abroad: If you're living and working outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico, you may be eligible to delay your tax filing and payment until June 15.
• Active military duty: Active-duty military or naval service members stationed outside the U.S. are also eligible for an extended filing and payment deadline of June 15.

How Many Tax Extensions Can You File?

​​You can request one six-month extension per tax return. Once the October 15 deadline passes, you generally can't file for an additional extension and may be subject to late-filing penalties. If you're filing a late return, you can attach a statement fully explaining why your return is late. If the IRS determines you have a reasonable explanation, they may decide to waive your fees.

The Bottom Line

Getting a tax extension gives you extra time to get your tax paperwork in order and complete your return without paying an IRS penalty. Just make sure to request your extension and pay any taxes you owe by April 15 to avoid late-filing and late-payment penalties.

Remember, too, that you don't have to wait the full six months to file your return. The sooner you file, the sooner you get your tax refund—or settle your final tax bill. Next year's taxes will be here before you know it.