Every year, the US residents need to file the returns and most of the residents feel pressure of the tax deadline which is on 15th April every year. Sometimes the taxpayers miss the documents or have confusion over the income sources and they feel unprepared to file their federal tax return on time. If you are also the one then don’t panic as the IRS offers a simple solution which we called is a Tax Extension. Tax extension provides an additional 6 months time period to file the taxes and filing a tax extension does not mean that tax filers would avoid paying their taxes. It’s just giving additional time to file the return and it’s the logical and legal move to save the late filing penalties. Let’s check Steps To File Tax Extension With IRS?
Steps To File Tax Extension With IRS?
Filing a tax extension gives an additional six months to complete the return which means instead of the April 15th deadline, the taxpayers have time until 15th October to file their return. But it’s important to understand that an extension is only just to file, not to pay taxes. If a tax filer owes any taxes then they need to pay it by the original 15th April last date. If your are also the one who does not know Steps To File Tax Extension With IRS? then don’t worry, this guide will explain who qualifies for an extension and how they can file it?

IRS Tax Return Extension – Quick Facts
Post Title | Steps To File Tax Extension With IRS? |
Country Name | United States |
Tax Filing Extension | Extra 6 Months To File Federal Tax Return |
Original Deadline | 15th Apr, 2025 |
Extension Deadline | 15th Oct, 2025 |
Managing Authority | Internal Revenue Service |
Who Can File? | Any tax filer who wants additional time to file a return |
Form To File For Extension | Form 4868 |
Where To File an Extension? | Online IRS Free File, Tax Software, By Mail |
Extension Fee | No Fee |
Post Category | Finance |
Official Web Portal | www.irs.gov |
IRS Tax Filing Extension – Know Rules
There are mainly three ways to file an extension with the IRS.
Use IRS Free File: The IRS offers a Free File tool for the taxpayers to file the extension. It’s available even when the income is above the limit for filing the taxes via the Free File.
Request Extension via Form 4868: The Taxpayers can file this form online with IRS e-filing partners or the taxpayers can file this form manually and send this form via mail to the IRS.
Check the Box: When paying the taxes via online payment options then check the box that suggests paying as part to file for an extension. The taxpayers would get the confirmation number of their extension.
Important Note: If a taxpayer is out of the country on the tax day then they would automatically qualify for 2 month extension without filing the form 4868. But if the taxpayer needs a full 6 months of extension then they need to file this form. Military members and the naval service members on their duties outside of the US and Puerto Rico would get an automatic 2 month extension. It means for them 15th June is the tax filing deadline.
Who Qualifies To File US Tax Extension?
In the US, anyone can file for the federal tax extension. There are no special criteria for taxpayers to request an extension. If someone is a US resident then filing the tax return can request for an extension before the original tax deadline i.e. 15th April. The person who requests an extension does not need to provide any reason for the extension as it’s automatic who files for it.
Important Links – US IRS Tax Extension Deadline
Official IRS Web Portal | irs.gov |
Form 4868 PDF for 2024 Tax Return Extension – Official Link | Link Here |
IRS Online Payment Options – Official Link | Link Here |
IRS Free File – Official Link | Link Here |
IRS E-Filing Partners – Official Link | Link Here |
FAQ Related To Steps To File Tax Extension With IRS?
- Does an IRS Tax Extension give taxpayers more time to pay taxes?
- No, the IRS Tax Extension does not mean that the taxpayers would get more time to pay taxes, it means that they would get time just to file their returns.
- How much extra time is given under the IRS Tax Filing Extension?
- An additional 6 months are given under the IRS Tax Filing Extension to file returns.
- What’s the tax filing last date for those who have filed the US Tax Extension?
- Those who have filed the US Tax Extension, the deadline to file return is 15th October.
- Who would get an automatic tax extension without filing an extension?
- Those who are outside of the US and those who are military members and those who are in naval services would get automatic tax extension without filing an extension.