How to Get an IRS Tax Extension to File Your Return​

For those who own businesses or are self-employed, you may be filing tax returns for your business and yourself as an individual. California gives taxpayers an automatic six-month extension to file their tax return, so the deadline is Oct. 15. However, you still must pay the amount you owe by Tuesday, April 15, according to a news release from the California Franchise Tax Board.

• If you are using TaxAct, be sure to click Mark as Estimate for any information you need to double-check before you officially file your return.
• Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals.
• Taxpayers living abroad who can’t file their return before the two-month extension expires can still get an additional four months to file their return like everyone else.
• This is the time of year when taxpayers file their returns in April.
• You can also use TurboTax to find out how much you’ll owe, or use our TaxCaster calculator to get an estimate.

What’s wrong with filing for an extension if I know I’m getting a refund?

In that case, you automatically get until October 15, 2026 (or the next business day if that date is a Debt to Asset Ratio legal holiday). Form 4868 lets you request a 6-month extension to file your federal return. With FileTax.com, you can file your extension electronically or print and mail your return. U.S. citizens, resident aliens and members of the military on duty who live outside of the U.S. are granted an automatic extension of two months. Military servicemembers serving in combat zones are given 180 days after they leave the area to file and pay their tax returns. The 180 days are in addition to the time you already had to file your return when you first entered a combat zone.

TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Simple Form 1040 Returns

The IRS requires this good-faith estimate on Form 4868 to process the extension request successfully. This estimation involves totaling all income, subtracting allowable deductions, and applying the relevant tax brackets to arrive at a projected tax due. If you’re affected by a federally declared disaster, the IRS may grant additional time to file and pay. When you file your return, include any payments made with your extension request on Form 1040.

• You can apply for an automatic six-month extension, but you need to act soon, or otherwise, you’re risking a late-file penalty.
• Get help for filing, paying, or both from the IRS, a Tax Return Preparer or the Taxpayer Advocate Service, if appropriate.
• A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
• If you underpay, the IRS may assess interest and penalties.
• A tax extension gives you six extra months to file your taxes.
• Thankfully, there are easy options for filing an extension, like e-filing with TurboTax Easy Extension or mailing IRS Form 4868.

Can’t pay your taxes by April 15? Still file for a tax extension

Thankfully, there are easy options for filing an extension, like e-filing with TurboTax Easy Extension or mailing IRS Form 4868. Understand the steps, potential penalties, and how to pay any taxes owed by April to avoid interest. For additional information, refer to Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S.

You would be subject to the penalty if you file your taxes on time but don’t pay by the April 15 deadline. Perhaps the most important reason to file sooner rather than later is that you have limited time to file your return and receive a tax refund. Generally, you have three years from the due date of the return to file and still receive a check from the IRS. One problem with not having all your tax information and needing to file an extension is you still have to calculate how much tax you owe. And to do that, you need to complete your return as best you can. Some states automatically extend your deadline when you apply for a federal extension.

From handling IRS letters to negotiating payment plans, our experts take the stress out of tax season. In short, an extension doesn’t just buy you time—it gives you a chance to improve your return. Whether you’re dealing with missing paperwork, complex tax scenarios, or just need a bit more time to get organized, filing an extension can work in your favor. 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. With either of these two methods, you will not receive any notice of approval from the IRS.

This form allows for a six-month extension of the tax return due date. Always remember that this extension applies to the filing date only, not to the payment deadline, so plan for that. If you’re running behind on your taxes and need a little more time to get everything in order, don’t CARES Act panic.

If you tax filing don’t think you’ll be able to get your taxes together in time, talk with a RamseyTrusted® tax pro. These tax experts have years of experience, and believe it or not, they love this stuff. They can help you file an extension or go ahead and file your tax return. California has a tool for people who filed a state income tax return to check their refund status.

Tax extension filings still due on Oct. 15 despite government shutdown

The following TurboTax Online offers may be available for tax year 2024. Stay informed about the latest regulations, best practices, and industry trends in financial filing. One must understand that the IRS-filed confirmation extension paper comes in handy in proving that a request sent was indeed approved. Confirmation whether granted can be sent through an email or physically depending on your filing method. For electronic filing, you will almost receive an instant confirmation which you can also print.