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How To File an Extension

Extensions of Time to File Your Tax Return

There are three choices for filing Form 4868, Application For Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Tax Return, electronically (such as by computer), by paying part of your tax due with a credit card through an outside service provider listed on the form, or by mail.

If you file your Form 4868 electronically you will receive an acknowledgement or confirmation number for your records and you do not need to send in Form 4868. If you need to pay additional taxes, you may do so through the outside service provider or through e-file. If you were or are serving in a combat zone, a qualified hazardous duty area, or in a contingency operation.

You can refer to your tax software or tax professional for ways to file electronically using e-file services. If you wish to make a payment using the electronic funds withdrawal option, be sure to have a copy of last year's tax return. You will be asked to provide the Adjusted Gross Income from the return for taxpayer verification.

Besides filing electronically, you can generally get an extension of time to file if you pay part or all of your estimate of income tax due by credit card. You may pay by phone or Internet through one of the service providers listed on Form 4868. Each service provider will charge a convenience fee based on the amount of the tax payment. At the completion of the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number for your records.

In addition to filing Form 4868 electronically, or by paying part of your tax by credit card, you can file Form 4868 by filling out the form and mailing it to the place where you will file your return.

Please be aware that an extension of time to file is NOT an extension of time to pay.

April 15 each year is the due date for filing your Federal individual income tax return, if your tax year ends December 31st. Your return is considered filed timely if the envelope is properly addressed and postmarked no later than April 15. If you use a fiscal year (which is a year ending on the last day of any month other than December), your return is due on or before the 15th day of the fourth month after the close of your fiscal year. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next business day (i.e., Tax Year 2006 is due April 17, 2007).

If you cannot file by the due date of your return, then you can request an extension of time to file. However, an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. You will owe interest on any past–due tax and you may be subject to a late–payment penalty if payment is not made timely. To receive an automatic 6-month extension of time to file your return, you can file Form 4868 (PDF) by the due date of your return. For more information, refer to the Form 4868 Instructions.

If you are a United States citizen or resident, whose home and main place of business or post of duty is outside the United States and Puerto Rico on the due date of your return, you are allowed an automatic extension until June 15, to file your return and pay any tax due. This also applies if you are in military or naval service on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico.