How to File for a Tax Extension

What Is a Tax Extension?

A tax extension gives you six extra months to complete and file your federal tax return. If you can’t finish your tax return on time for just about any reason, an automatic extension offers a bit of breathing room without triggering a late-filing penalty.

When Is the 2025 Tax Extension Deadline?

The 2025 deadline to file your taxes with an extension is October 15, 2025. But, to get an automatic six-month extension, you have to file your request by the original tax deadline: April 15. You are also required to pay any taxes you owe—or a good faith estimate of your remaining balance—when you file your request.

Learn more >> Tax Deadlines You Need to Know

When Are Taxes Due With an Extension?

Any tax you owe on your extended return is due on April 15. An extension postpones the deadline to file your tax return; it does not delay the date your tax payment is due. Be prepared to pay enough to equal at least 90% of the tax you owe (after factoring in the withholding and quarterly estimated tax payments you’ve already paid) when you request your extension.

Reasons to File a Tax Extension

The main reason to request a tax extension is because you won’t be able to complete your tax return on time. Common causes for delay include:

• Missing or wrong information: Your W-2 got lost in the mail. The 1099-INT from your bank showed the wrong amount of interest. Instead of filing your return with incorrect paperwork, request an extension and file when your information is complete.
• New Social Security number: If you had a baby last year and still haven’t received their Social Security number, you may want to file for an extension just in case their Social Security card doesn’t arrive by April 15.
• Out of time: Maybe you’ll be traveling, you’re recovering from a long illness, your business books aren’t up to date or the tax deadline is literally today. Requesting an extension saves you from the trouble of a missed deadline.

When Not to File a Tax Extension

A tax extension won’t help if what you really need is more time to pay your tax bill. If you can’t afford to pay your taxes by the April 15 deadline, you may want to look into an IRS payment plan. These plans give you roughly six months to six years to pay off your tax debt, depending on your circumstances. You’ll still pay penalties, interest and fees, but these are typically more forgiving when you have a payment plan in place. A plan will also hit pause on IRS collection efforts. Get more information at the IRS payment plan portal or by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040.

Learn more >> What Happens if You Don’t Pay Your Taxes on Time?

You may also want to think twice about filing an extension if you’re expecting a refund. While you won’t be penalized for delaying your tax return—and won’t owe any taxes at filing time—you won’t receive your refund until you file your return.

Is There a Penalty for Filing a Tax Extension?

There’s no direct penalty for filing a tax extension. Generally speaking, your request is free and is automatically accepted as long as you file it by April 15.

However, you can incur penalties if you fail to file a tax return or fail to pay your taxes on time.

• Failing to file a tax return carries a penalty of 5% of the taxes owed for every month (or partial month) your tax return remains unfiled, up to a maximum penalty of 25%. If your return is more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty is $485 or the balance of your taxes due, whichever is less. Late filing penalties apply when you file your return after the due date, including extensions.
• Failing to pay taxes owed carries a late payment penalty of 0.5%, charged for each month (or partial month) your tax payment is late, up to a maximum penalty of 25%. Late payment penalties start when you miss the April 15 payment deadline.

How to File for a Tax Extension

You have three simple options for requesting an extension from the IRS.

1. Make an Electronic Extension Payment

You don’t have to file a separate extension request when you make an online payment on the IRS site and select “Extension.” When your payment is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation to save for your files.

To make your payment, sign into your IRS account and choose one of the following payment types:

• Direct pay from your bank account
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)
• Digital wallet (such as PayPal or Venmo)
• Credit or debit card

​​2. Use IRS Free File

You can file an electronic extension request using the IRS’ free tax-filing software, IRS Free File. You need to meet IRS income requirements to use Free File to complete your tax return. However, anyone can use Free File to request an extension, regardless of income.

3. Submit Form 4868

You can also request an automatic extension using IRS Form 4868. Here are three ways to fill it out and file it:

• Download a fillable Form 4868. Print it and mail to the address shown on the form.
• Use tax preparation software to e-file your form with the IRS.
• Ask your tax professional to file it for you.

Do I Need to File a Tax Extension?

In general, you need to file for an extension if you won’t be able to complete your return by April 15. However, in a few cases, requesting an extension may not be necessary. For example, in areas affected by a FEMA-declared disaster, the government may extend the filing deadline for all taxpayers. Check the IRS disaster relief page to see if an extended deadline is in effect in your area.

If you are living and working outside the United States and Puerto Rico on the original due date of your tax return, you may be eligible to delay your tax filing and payment until June 16, 2025. This extension also applies to military or naval service members who are on duty outside the U.S.

How Many Tax Extensions Can You File?

You can request one six-month extension per tax return. If the October 15 deadline passes, you can’t file for an additional extension and may be subject to late-filing penalties. However, if you have what the IRS terms a “reasonable explanation” for filing after October 15, you can attach a statement to your tax return fully explaining why you’re filing late; the IRS may decide to waive fees.

The Bottom Line

Getting a tax extension gives you extra time to get your tax paperwork in order and complete your return without incurring an IRS penalty. Just make sure to request your extension and pay any taxes you owe by April 15 to avoid late-filing and late-payment penalties.

Remember, too, that you don’t have to use the full six months if you don’t need it. The sooner you file, the sooner you get your tax refund—or settle your final tax bill. Next year’s taxes will be here before you know it.