How to File a Tax Extension

Do you need to file a federal tax extension?

If you’re like me, you probably put off filing your taxes. But as the April 15, 2024 tax deadline approaches, you should probably consider whether you need to file a tax extension if you haven’t already filed.

Table of Contents

1. Filing a Federal Tax Extension Is Free and Easy
1. Important Information About Federal Tax Deadline Extensions
2. How to File a Tax Extension
3. Use Tax Form 4868 to File an Extension
4. Where to Send Your Tax Extension Form
5. Tax Deadline Extensions for Military Members
6. What If You Don’t File a Tax Extension?

Filing a Federal Tax Extension Is Free and Easy

Filing a request for a federal tax extension gives you an extra six months to file your income taxes, and the best part is that it’s easy and will not cost you a penny.

The deadline for filing a tax extension is usually April 15, the same deadline for filing and sending your federal taxes and income tax payment.

The only downside is that an extension of time to file does not give you an extension to pay your federal tax bill. If you owe the IRS money for your income taxes, you must pay at least 90% of that balance when you file your tax extension request. Otherwise, you may owe penalties and fees.

How to File a Tax Extension

Filing a tax extension is easy and FREE. All you need to do is fill out Tax Form 4868, and mail it to the IRS. You can also send it to the IRS from a tax software program like TurboTax or H&R Block Online.

Here are some resources to help you file for a tax extension electronically or by mail.

E-File your tax extension for free:

• TurboTax Online.
• H&R Block @Home.
• IRS Free File Fillable Forms.

How to File your Tax Extension By Mail:

All you need to do is download the form, fill it out, and mail it in. Be sure to include the estimated amount you will owe on your taxes.

• Download Tax Form 4868 from the IRS website. You can also pick one up at an IRS office or call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
• Fill it out and send it in via mail.
• Send in the amount you owe on your taxes, or at least an estimate. You will need to send in 90% of your actual total to avoid late fees or penalties.

Use Tax Form 4868 to File an Extension

Before filing for a tax extension, you must complete a rough draft of your tax return. You must fill out and file tax form 4868 and send it to the IRS. Form 4868 is relatively easy to complete, as it is only one page long. You fill out your name, address, Social Security number and estimated tax liability, tax payments, balance due and the amount you are paying.

You can use many tax-preparation software programs to e-file this form, including TurboTax, H&R Block, and others. These programs offer step-by-step instructions for completing the tax extension and will save your progress if you use the program when you file your taxes. They may charge a fee for the software but, in my experience, using a guided software program is much easier than trying to do taxes by hand.

You can also use the IRS fillable form or download Form 4868 from the IRS website, print it, fill it out and send it in. Don’t forget to include your payment if you owe federal taxes.

Those without internet access or a printer can pick up Form 4868 at a local IRS office, post office or library or call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) to file a tax extension.

Where to Send Your Tax Extension Form

Mail your paper form 4868 to the following address. Be sure to note there are two addresses – one for form 4868 with payment and one without payment.

If you live in:	Form 4868 with payment	Form 4868 without payment
	Internal Revenue Service:	Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center:
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina	P.O. Box 105050 Atlanta, GA 30348-5050	Atlanta, GA 39901-0002
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont	P.O. Box 37009 Hartford, CT 06176-0009	Kansas City, MO 64999-0002
Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas	P.O. Box 1302 Charlotte, NC 28201-1302	Austin, TX 73301-0002
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington	P.O. Box 7122 San Francisco, CA 94120-7122	Fresno, CA 93888-0002
Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming	P.O. Box 802503 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503	Fresno, CA 93888-0002
Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia	P.O. Box 970028 St. Louis, MO 63197-0028	Kansas City, MO 64999-0002
American Samoa or Puerto Rico (or exclude income under section 933); are a nonpermanent resident of Guam or the Virgin Islands*; have an APO or FPO or foreign address; are a nonresident alien or dual-status alien; or file Form 2555, 2555-EZ, or 4563.	P.O. Box 1302 Charlotte, NC 28201-1302	Austin, TX 73301-0215 USA

*Permanent residents of Guam should use: Department of Revenue and Taxation, Government of Guam, P.O. Box 23607, GMF, GU 96921; permanent residents of the Virgin Islands should use: V.I. Bureau of Internal Revenue, 9601 Estate Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802.

Tax Deadline Extensions for Military Members

Military members may qualify for even longer extensions, especially if they served in a tax-free zone for the current year or the previous year. Some American civilians working overseas may also qualify for a longer extension.

American civilians working overseas may also be able to file for a longer extension. Here is more information from the IRS.

Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a military tax deadline extension due to a deployment, service in a tax-free military zone or other military qualification. Some of these extensions are automatic, but others require you to at least notify the IRS of your situation. These military tax-deadline extensions qualify you for an extension for both filing your federal taxes and making your federal tax payments. In many cases, the deadline extension is automatically set at six months, but it may be longer if you are currently deployed overseas.

Free tax preparation for military members: Remember — many military members and their family members are eligible for free military tax preparation. Be sure to check your base military tax center for more information about applying for a federal tax extension.

What If You Don’t File a Tax Extension?

Form 4868, along with the appropriate amount due, if applicable, is due by April 15, 2024. Once the tax extension form has been filed, you have until Oct. 16 to complete and file your taxes. If you do not file your taxes by either due date, you may be subject to penalties and fees — and in the most extreme circumstances, jail time.

If you cannot make your estimated tax payment by the April 18 deadline, you should call the IRS. They will often work out a payment arrangement with you if a large amount due will cause a financial strain.

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