Can I file for an extension, and how does it work?

by | Apr 22, 2025 | General Federal Filing, Individual Taxes

Here’s what HIVE AI had to say about “Can I file for an extension, and how does it work?”:

Filing for a Tax Extension: How It Works

What is a Tax Extension?

You may request up to an additional 6 months to file your U.S. individual income tax return. IRS.gov Tax Topics This means that instead of having to file by the standard April 15 deadline, you can extend your filing deadline to October 15.

It’s crucial to understand that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. You’ll owe interest if the tax you owe isn’t paid by the original due date of your return. IRS.gov Tax Topics IRS.gov Tax Topics You may also be subject to a late-payment penalty on any tax not paid by the original due date of your return. IRS.gov Tax Topics

How to Request an Extension

There are three ways to request an automatic extension of time to file your return: IRS.gov Tax Topics IRS.gov Tax Topics

1. Pay and Get an Extension

Pay all or part of your estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension of time to file your return using IRS Direct Pay, Online account, EFTPS: The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, a debit or credit card or a digital wallet, such as Click to Pay, PayPal and Venmo. IRS.gov Tax Topics You’ll receive a confirmation number for your records. IRS.gov Tax Topics

This is a quick and efficient way to get an extension. The IRS will automatically grant an extension when a taxpayer makes an electronic payment and indicates it’s for an extension. In that case, there is no need for that taxpayer to file Form 4868. IRS Newsroom – IR-2024-76 – IRS: Free File provides quick, easy way to file an extension

2. E-file Form 4868

E-file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return using your personal computer or through a tax professional who uses e-file. IRS.gov Tax Topics

If you file the Form 4868 electronically, be sure to have a copy of your prior year’s return; you’ll be asked to provide your prior year’s adjusted gross income (AGI) amount for verification purposes. Once you file, you’ll receive an electronic acknowledgement that the IRS has accepted your filing. IRS.gov Tax Topics

3. File a Paper Form 4868

File a paper Form 4868. IRS.gov Tax Topics Note: Fiscal year taxpayers may request extensions only by filing a paper Form 4868. IRS.gov Tax Topics

Important Deadlines and Requirements

You must request the extension of time to file by the regular due date of your return to avoid the penalty for filing late. File your extension request by the due date of your return. IRS.gov Tax Topics IRS.gov Tax Topics

For individual taxpayers who have already received an automatic extension, any additional request must be received on or before the expiration date of the extension provided on Form 4868 or postmarked on or before the expiration date of the automatic extension. The original extension expires on October 15 for calendar year filers. IRS IRM 3.11.212 Applications for Extension of Time to File

To qualify for the extension you must:

What Happens After You File for an Extension

Under Treasury Regulation § 1.6081-4(a), an individual taxpayer “will be allowed an automatic 6-month extension of the time to file the return after the time prescribed for filing the return” if the taxpayer applies to the IRS for the extension. If you apply for such an extension, the due date for the return is extended from April 15 to October 15. But if October 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a filing made on the following Monday would be “considered timely.” Dawson U.S. Tax Court Opinions: John Peter Zaimes Dawson U.S. Tax Court Opinions: John Peter Zaimes

No notification will be sent to the taxpayer unless the request is denied. IRS IRM 3.11.212 Applications for Extension of Time to File This means that if your extension request is accepted, you won’t receive any confirmation from the IRS (unless you e-filed and received an electronic acknowledgment).

Special Circumstances

Joint Returns

Joint extension requests apply equally to each spouse, even if they subsequently file separate returns. IRS IRM 20.1.2 Failure To File/Failure To Pay Penalties

Taxpayers Living Abroad

Some taxpayers will automatically get extra time to file their tax return, even if they do not request an extension. Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two-month extension to file. This year they have until June 17 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15 or interest will be charged. IRS Newsroom – IR-2024-76 – IRS: Free File provides quick, easy way to file an extension

Individual taxpayers out of the country who need an extension longer than the 6 months provided with Form 4868 are instructed to send their request in a letter to AUSPC. If received at another center, it will be transshipped to AUSPC. Only AUSPC can grant an extension longer than 6 months for individual taxpayers. IRS IRM 3.11.212 Applications for Extension of Time to File

Consequences of Filing Late Even With an Extension

Section 6651(a)(1) imposes an addition to tax for failure to file a return timely unless it is shown that such failure was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Dawson U.S. Tax Court Opinions: Matthew C. Elstein This means that if you don’t file by your extended deadline, you may face penalties unless you can demonstrate reasonable cause.

Maximum Extension Period

The maximum extension that the IRS can grant to a taxpayer residing within the United States is six months. Dawson U.S. Tax Court Opinions: Estate of Wallace R. Woodbury, Deceased, Wallace Richards Woodbury, Jr., Executor This means that for most individual taxpayers, October 15 is the absolute latest they can file their tax return for the previous year without facing penalties (unless October 15 falls on a weekend or holiday).

Common Misconceptions About Extensions

  • Extensions give you more time to pay: This is false. You will be charged interest on any amount not paid by the regular due date until the date the tax is paid. IRS.gov Tax Topics
  • You need a reason to get an extension: For the automatic 6-month extension, you don’t need to provide a reason. The extension is granted automatically if you file Form 4868 correctly and on time.
  • Extensions increase audit risk: There’s no evidence that filing an extension increases your chances of being audited.

Conclusion

Filing for a tax extension is a straightforward process that gives you additional time to prepare and file your tax return. However, it’s crucial to remember that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay any taxes due. To avoid penalties and interest, estimate your tax liability as accurately as possible and pay any taxes owed by the original filing deadline.

If you need assistance with filing an extension or have questions about your specific tax situation, consider consulting with a tax professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances.

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