How do i file for an extension

The IRS will send you an electronic acknowledgment when you submit the form. Is it easy to use? Free version? Anybody — even people above the income threshold — can go there to file an extension online. A tax extension gives you until Oct.

However, getting an extension does not give you more time to pay — it only gives you more time to file your return. Anything you owe after the deadline is subject to interest and a late-payment penalty — even if you get an extension. People affected by certain natural disasters may automatically get more time, too the time varies; check the list of qualifying disasters.

Just file IRS Form instead. You're asking the Internal Revenue Service IRS to give you six more months to submit your tax return when you file for an extension. The deadline for your annual personal return is normally April 15 unless this date falls on a weekend or a holiday.

Your tax return would be due the next business day in that case. Filing an extension gives you until October The extension is automatic. You won't have to wait and hope for a nod of approval from the IRS.

That's the end of the extension process when the IRS receives your request form. You still have to file your tax return, but you have more six more months to do so. Due to the tornado in December , taxpayers in parts of Kentucky were also granted extensions.

You can consult IRS disaster relief announcements to determine your eligibility. Unfortunately, your payment is still due by the initial filing deadline if you owe the IRS. Filing an extension doesn't normally give you additional time to address any taxes that are owed, and the IRS charges interest and sometimes penalties on tax payments that are made after the deadline.

It's usually a good idea to go ahead and prepare your tax return, even if you don't file it yet, so you have a rough idea of what you owe, if anything. It's best to send a payment for the amount you've estimated you'll owe when you submit your extension form. You're entitled to a refund if you miscalculate your estimate and end up overpaying. It's better to be safe than penalized and sorry. You'll have cut your penalties and interest to just the portion of the tax debt that you were short if you end up owing more than what you estimated.

If you've calculated that you probably owe tax, write a check for that amount and mail the extension form with your check. The form comes with a list of addresses telling you where to send the form and your payment. Filing an Income Tax Extension. Can't File by the Deadline? Top 3 Reasons to File a Tax Extension. Estimate your tax refund and where you stand Get started. Easily calculate your tax rate to make smart financial decisions Get started.

Know how much to withhold from your paycheck to get a bigger refund Get started. Estimate your self-employment tax and eliminate any surprises Get started. Know which dependents credits and deductions you can claim Get started. Know what tax documents you'll need upfront Get started. See which education credits and deductions you qualify for Get started. See how much your charitable donations are worth Get started.

The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Generally, no.

However, there are a few cases in which you can. Learn more. It varies from state to state. Skip To Main Content. Tips to help you file an extension.