You can get an automatic extension to file your tax return by submitting the form. You will receive an electronic receipt once you do so. Individual taxpayers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic extension of their tax filing. While you won't fill out Form 4868 on paper line by line, your tax extension information will be sent online to the IRS.
Most likely, the potential IRS fees and penalties for not filing anything electronically will be greater than the fees and penalties for not paying your taxes on time. A tax extension gives you an additional six months until October to file your federal tax return. If you weren't able to request an extension before the day of your tax return, the IRS suggests filing and paying it as soon as possible to reduce the penalties and charges on your outstanding bill. Be sure to sign the form and check the box that indicates that you were out of the country on the day of your tax return before mailing it to the IRS.
You can request an automatic six-month extension to extend the deadline for filing your federal income tax return until October. Even if you file an extension on time, you'll still face late payment penalties from the IRS for not paying your taxes on time. Before you file your return electronically, you'll know if you owe taxes based on all the tax information you entered. If you owe taxes, you should file your tax return electronically now to avoid the worst penalties, even if you can't pay your taxes right now.
If you have everything you need: documents, forms for filing taxes, then preparing and e-filing a tax return before Tax Day, even if you can't pay all or some of your taxes, will save you time. A tax extension gives you an additional 6 months to file your tax return, making the new deadline October 16. For example, if you miscalculated and you end up with a tax bill, a tax extension will exempt you from the late filing penalty. Once the IRS has accepted your tax return, you can modify it by filing a tax amendment and downloading Form 1040X. To electronically file Form 4868, the IRS federal tax extension form for individuals, simply select the extension button above and send it electronically for free.
Learn below if you should request an extension or not; if you are due a tax refund, according to the IRS, a tax extension is not necessary.
