Tax Day is quickly approaching, but if you need more time to complete your return, you can request a tax extension.
An extension typically gives you six additional months to gather your forms and documents and file your return. It does not, however, give you more time to pay any money you owe.
To avoid penalties and interest, you should at least submit an estimated payment by April 15, 2026. Here's how it's done.
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What is a tax extension?
A tax extension gives you up to six additional months to file your tax return. The deadline to file for an extension for a 2025 tax return is April 15, 2026. If approved, you will have until Oct. 15, 2026, to submit your return.
Any money you owe Uncle Sam, however, is still due on Tax Day. To avoid fees and interest, you'll need to estimate what you owe and send it to the IRS by April 15.
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How to file a tax extension
To receive an extension, you'll need to submit IRS Form 4868 and an estimated payment of your tax bill. Look at your Form 1040 to see what your total tax liability was for the year, then subtract what you've already paid. The difference will be what you should submit with your request.
There are several ways to submit a request for a tax extension:
- File Form 4868 electronically with a tax professional or a tax-prep program like H&R Block, TurboTax or TaxSlayer.
- You can file for an extension with IRS Free File, even if your adjusted gross income is too high to use it to submit your return.
- Mail a completed paper Form 4868 and enclose your payment. It must be postmarked by April 15, 2026.
- Pay your estimated tax bill on the IRS website and indicate that the payment is for an extension.
- Make a payment by phone by calling the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System at 800-555-3453.
If your request is approved, you should receive an online confirmation number from the IRS.
When are taxes due if you file an extension?
The deadline to request an extension on your 2025 federal tax return is April 15, 2026, at midnight local time. If you are approved, you'll have until Oct. 15, 2026, to file your complete return.
Any taxes you owe, however, are still due by April 15.
What happens if you miss the tax deadline
If you don't file on time and don't owe the IRS any money, you won't be hit with any penalty. You will have to wait longer if you have a refund coming, however, and if you wait more than three years, you'll forfeit your refund altogether.
If you do owe money, however, you could be double-penalized — with a monthly failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid liability and a monthly late-filing penalty of up to 5% of the unpaid balance (up to a maximum of 25%).
The late-filing penalty is 10 times the fee for not paying on time, so even if you don't have the funds, you should submit your return on time or request an extension by the April 15 deadline.
Tax extensions FAQs
Is there a downside to filing a tax extension?
While filing for an extension can keep you from paying penalties, you will still be charged interest during the extension period. Also, the IRS cannot process any refund until after you file your tax return. So, if you expect to get a tax refund, it will be delayed by the extension.
Does the IRS ever reject requests for extensions?
Yes, some requests are denied. This is most commonly because of misspellings, switched numbers or out-of-date information. When filing for an extension, be sure all the information is accurate before submitting.
How do I file for an extension on my state taxes?
Filing for an IRS tax extension does not automatically apply to state taxes. Each state has its own process for requesting a tax extension. Many, including California and Illinois, offer an automatic six-month extension for their state returns. Check with your state's Department of Taxation for more details.
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