Get an extension to file your tax return

If you need more time to file your taxes, you can request an extension through October 15. You must file your request by the April tax filing due date to get the extension. Make sure you pay any tax you owe by the April filing date. The extension is only for filing your return.

Automatic extensions

You may qualify for an automatic tax filing extension if you’re:

• In a federally declared disaster area
• In the military stationed abroad or serving in a combat zone
• A citizen or resident alien living outside the U.S.

Get an extension

There are 3 ways to get until October 15 to file your tax return.

Pay online and check the box

Pay what you owe using an online payment option and check the box that you are paying as part of filing for an extension. You don’t have to file a separate extension form and you’ll receive a confirmation number of your extension for your records.

Use Free File (no income limit for extensions)

Use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. 

Request an extension by mail

1. File Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You can file by mail, online with an IRS e-filing partner or through a tax professional.
2. Estimate how much tax you owe for the year on the extension form: Subtract the taxes you already paid for the filing year.

Related

Find more on extensions for:

Businesses or corporations
Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns
Form 1138, Extension of Time for Payment of Taxes by a Corporation Expecting a Net Operating Loss Carryback

U.S. citizens or resident aliens living outside the U.S.
Form 2350, Application for Extension of Time to File U.S. Income Tax Return (For U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad Who Expect To Qualify for Special Tax Treatment)

Exempt organizations
Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return 

Retirement plans
Form 5558, Application for Extension of Time to File Certain Employee Plan Returns

Estates
Form 4768, Application for Extension of Time to File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Taxes
Form 8892, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Form 709 and/or Payment of Gift/Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax

Information return filers
Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns