Where Can I File a Tax Extension Electronically?
- If you can't quite get your records together in time to file your income tax return by April 15, the IRS requires you to file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The IRS will grant you a six-month extension, till Sept. 15, to file your tax return.
If you live outside the U.S., are serving in the armed forces in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area, or will be out of the country on the date the extension expires, you can apply for additional extensions to file beyond the six-month automatic extension. Even if you are in one of these situations, however, you will still need to file Form 4868 to be granted an extension. - You complete Form 4868 by recording your identification information, including your Social Security number, estimating your total tax liability for the year, subtracting any tax payments already made and determining the balance you owe.
- The IRS prefers that you e-file your tax documents. To e-file Form 4868, however, you will have to either have tax preparation software for your computer that accommodates this process, or your tax preparer can e-file the form for you.
- Form 4868 will get you an extension for filing your tax return, but it does not relieve you of your obligation to pay your tax liability by April 15.
