Taxpayers who need more time to file a federal tax return should request an extension Internal Revenue Service

Paying at least 90% of what you owe can reduce or help you avoid a late-payment penalty. You can use Form 1040-ES or tax software to estimate your liability. If you can’t pay in full, the IRS recommends you pay what you can to minimize fees or explore IRS payment plans that can help you pay off your balance in increments over time. Suppose you file Liability Accounts Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) before the original filing deadline (April 15, 2026, for calendar year filers).

Filing an income tax extension

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. If you’re an eligible victim of recent natural disasters, you may have an automatic extension of time to make various tax payments. Visit IRS.gov/disasters to get more information and see if you qualify.

Step 1: Estimate taxes owed

If you need more time to finish your tax return — say, to gather financial documents or to calculate certain tax breaks — it’s easy to request an extension. In short, filing a tax extension trial balance isn’t about delaying responsibility—it’s about doing it right. Taking the time to prepare a complete and correct return can prevent costly mistakes, minimize your risk of an audit, and even improve your chances of maximizing deductions and credits. The most common way to get an extension is to file Form 4868.

• The “failure to file penalty” is 5% of the tax due for each month the return is late and is capped at 25%.
• The extended due dates apply to most federal tax returns and payments, including those for income taxes (including estimated tax payments), payroll taxes, and excise taxes.
• If you can’t pay in full, you can apply for a payment plan at IRS.gov/payments.
• However, interest will be added to your bill starting on Tax Day.
• Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments.
• TurboTax Easy Extension can help get the tax forms you need to file your state extension by mail.

Tax Extension Myths vs. Facts

Pay as much of your bill as you can, and if you still can’t afford to pay your tax bill after six months, look into setting up a payment plan with the IRS. For those without extensions, the deadline to pay taxes is on April 15 at midnight in the time zone the taxpayer is based in, according to H&R Block. Today is Tax Day, which means many taxpayers in the United States may be scrambling to file their forms ahead of the looming deadline. For most people, your tax return needs to be filed by April 15. If you need assistance with filing your tax return you can visit the Filing for Individuals page on IRS.gov. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a general sense of how much you’re going to owe in taxes to the IRS and your state and local taxing entities, and to be reasonably current with those payments.

What if I don’t have all my tax forms yet?

Add to that layoffs that have cut staff, and a chaotic return-to-office transition, and you’re far better off submitting anything important to the agency by electronic means. It’s likely a good idea for state extensions, as well, he added. Finally, it’s also important to keep in mind that there are far fewer accountants out there than there used to be. For Americans accustomed to doing things on time, filing for a tax extension may seem like an unusual step. But there are lots of valid reasons you may want to get an extension, experts say – as long as you keep a few key things in mind. If you are using TaxAct, be sure to click Mark as Estimate for any information you need to double-check before you officially file your return.

If you struggle to follow through by the customary filing day, April 15th, a tax filing extension is a solution you should consider. Even if you get an extension, the IRS still wants you to pay your income tax by April 15. You’ll need to estimate the taxes you owe and pay at least 90 percent of those taxes by the tax filing April 15 deadline to avoid penalties. If you lived in a federally declared disaster area in 2024, you get an automatic extension. Many people living in Southern California who were affected by the wildfires in January, for example, are allowed to file their taxes as late as Oct. 15. The IRS keeps a running list of disaster areas granted an extension.

Addressing State Tax Extensions

Now that you’ve filed an extension, you might wonder what you need to do between now and when your tax return is due. TurboTax EasyExtension is a simple, online tool that allows you to file a tax extension in minutes. When estimating your tax liability, be sure to reduce your income by all exemptions and deductions you anticipate claiming.