Need extra time to file your tax return? The IRS allows you to file for an extension that gives you 6 extra months -- until October 17 -- to file your tax return. To do this, you need to file Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, by the filing deadline (usually April 15).
Although the filing extension gives you more time to file your tax return, it doesn’t give you any extra time to pay the taxes you owe. This means that you need to estimate how much you owe and pay the amount due when you file Form 4868. If you make a payment when you file Form 4868, make sure to include it in the Payments section of your Form 1040.
If you don’t pay the full amount you owe, the IRS will charge you interest on the unpaid balance until you pay the full amount that you owe. If you don’t pay at least 90% of what you owe, you might also be subject to a late payment penalty, which usually is one-half of 1% of the amount owed for each month, up to a maximum of 25%. If you don’t file either your tax return or the Form 4868 by the filing deadline (usually April 15th), you’ll be subject to a late filing penalty, which is 5% of the amount you owe for each month, up to a maximum of 25%.
If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident alien and you’re out of the country on the due date (usually April 15), you have 2 extra months to file your return and pay the amount due without requesting an extension. "Out of the country" means either:
You live outside the United States and Puerto Rico, and your main place of work is outside the United States and Puerto Rico; or
You’re in the military and serve outside the United States and Puerto Rico.
Military personnel in a combat zone generally get even more time. If you qualify, you don’t have to file any forms to request the additional time, but you should include a statement with your return explaining why you qualify for the later deadline.
Most states allow an extension of the filing deadline. Check with your state for any restrictions.
If you’re receiving a refund, the earlier you file your return, the better, since you’ll receive your refund earlier.