Tax Extension: What It Is and How to File One
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Requesting a tax extension is relatively straightforward — as long as you are mindful of the cut-off date. Taxpayers are able to file for an extension electronically or when making an estimated tax payment. Extension requests can also be mailed in.
What is a tax extension?
A tax extension is a request for an additional six months to file a tax return with the IRS. Extensions typically move the filing deadline from mid-April to mid-October.
Filing a tax extension can help people who may be missing important tax documents or who need extra time to complete their paperwork. It can also help filers avoid a late-filing penalty.
How tax extensions work
A common misconception about tax extensions is that they buy you additional time to pay your tax bill. In reality, a tax extension only pushes out your filing deadline, not your payment due date. Even if you filed for an extension, any taxes owed are still due by April 15.
If you owe taxes
If you can't file your return by the tax filing deadline, in addition to getting an extension, the IRS suggests you estimate your tax bill and submit a payment as soon as possible. That's because anything you owe after the deadline is subject to interest and a late-payment penalty.
You might be able to catch a break on the penalty if you paid at least 90% of your taxes owed by the deadline and pay the rest when you file your return. You can estimate your tax liability by using the Estimated Tax Worksheet on Form 1040-ES or using tax software.
If you can't afford your entire tax bill, the IRS recommends paying what you can to limit those fees. The agency offers payment plans that can help you pay off your balance in increments over time.
If you're due a refund
The IRS does not impose a failure-to-file penalty on tax returns that are filed late if you're due a refund. However, filing a tax extension anyway could be a good idea. For example, if you miscalculate and end up with a tax bill, a tax extension will get you out of that late-filing penalty.
When is the 2025 tax extension deadline?
The last day to submit an extension request for 2024 returns is April 15, 2025. If a tax return is filed after this date without a valid extension attached to it, the IRS will consider the return late. Penalties and fees will start to accrue if you have a tax bill.
If you are an American citizen living abroad, the federal deadline to file your 2024 income tax return or to request a four-month extension is June 16, 2025.
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NerdWallet rating- Federal: $39 to $89. Free version available for simple Form 1040 returns only.
- State: $0 to $39 per state.
- Expert help or full service filing is available with an upgrade to Live packages for a fee.
How to file a tax extension
There are several options for requesting a free tax extension, including e-filing Form 4868 or making an estimated tax payment by the tax deadline.
IRS Free File: Free File is an IRS tax preparation service for taxpayers who make below a certain income, but anyone — regardless of income — can go to the IRS website to file a free extension through the program.
Tax software: If you plan to use tax software, most providers support filing Form 4868 for tax extensions. You can simply follow the program’s instructions and see how to file a tax extension electronically. The IRS will send you an electronic acknowledgment when you submit the form.
Tax preparer: If you plan to work with a CPA or other tax preparer, ask if they can file for an extension on your behalf.
By mail: You can apply for a tax extension on paper by filling out Form 4868 and sending it to the IRS through the Postal Service. Make sure to get proof that you mailed it, and note that it must have been postmarked by April 15.
Direct Pay: Because a tax extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay, it's a good idea to estimate your taxes owed and make a payment along with your extension request. IRS Direct Pay allows you to note that you're requesting an extension while you're making that payment, which does away with you having to submit Form 4868 altogether.
» See NerdWallet's picks for the best tax software this year.
How automatic tax extensions work
Some people don’t need to worry about applying for tax extensions because they automatically get more time if they meet certain criteria.
U.S. citizens or residents who lived and worked outside of the country on the tax filing deadline may automatically get two extra months — until June 16, 2025 — to file their return and pay any amount due without having to request a tax extension. If you need additional time beyond those two months, you have to file for an extension by the June deadline to extend your filing deadline to October.
Some military members also automatically get extra time, depending on where they are and what they’re doing. The amount of extra time here depends on where the service member is and what they are doing. For example, soldiers in combat areas can get an extra 180 days from their last day in a combat zone to file their tax returns. Hospitalization due to combat injury can further extend the extension.
People living in areas affected by certain natural disasters may automatically get more time, too (more on this below).
5.0
NerdWallet rating- Federal: $39 to $89. Free version available for simple Form 1040 returns only.
- State: $0 to $39 per state.
- Expert help or full service filing is available with an upgrade to Live packages for a fee.
How do you file a state tax extension?
The rules for requesting a state tax extension can vary. In some states, you might have to file an additional form, while in others, it might automatically be granted. In certain states, a federal tax extension also serves as a state extension. Illinois, for example, automatically extends the state tax return deadline to mid-October if a person's federal tax extension is approved.
Your state's tax department is the easiest way to determine your state income tax deadline and how to file for a state tax extension.
Which states have disaster relief extensions?
A few states have received extensions to file and pay 2024 federal tax returns (normally due April 2025) due to FEMA-declared natural disasters.
As a rule of thumb, only people and businesses established in the counties the IRS recognizes as affected by the disaster are eligible for this relief. If you weren't able to meet your tax filing obligation on time because your preparer lives in the affected county, or if the paperwork you needed to complete your return was located in the disaster area, you may also be eligible. See the IRS disaster relief page for more details.
Frequently asked questions
How many tax extensions can you file?
Generally, you can't request more than one tax extension per return.
How much does a tax extension cost?
Nothing. Taxpayers could file a tax extension for free through IRS Free File up until April 15.
What happens after you file a tax extension?
You still have to file your final return by Oct. 15, 2025. If you miss the October due date,penalties will accrue.
