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How can I get an Extension on a Tax Return?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Getting an extension on a tax return from the US Internal Revenue Service is a fairly painless process and simply involves, in most cases, which form you must file. There are a couple of things you should know about filing an extension, especially if you estimate that you are going to owe taxes. An extension does not guarantee that you won't be charged fees or interest on taxes owed, unless you have a plan worked out with the IRS.

For personal taxes, you can get an extension on a tax return by filing IRS Form 4868, also called an Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File US Income Tax Return. Such an extension will cover you if you are filing by yourself, or it will give you and your spouse an extension on a tax return if you're married and filing jointly. If you're married and filing separately, you may each need to fill out a Form 4868.

An accountant can help people determine whether they qualify for an extension on their taxes.
An accountant can help people determine whether they qualify for an extension on their taxes.

Form 4868 needs to be filed by the deadline for income taxes, usually 15 April for individual tax returns. It will offer you a six-month extension on filing for your taxes, though there are some exceptions. If you are out of the country when your tax return would be due, on October 15th, you may be able to qualify for an additional two months to file your taxes, and have until December 15th to file your return. If you are in the US military and are serving in an active combat zone, or hospitalized as a result of injury sustained in a combat zone, you usually have an automatic 180 day extension on a tax return that begins either the day you leave the combat zone or the day you leave the hospital. For more information on this, read the IRS Publication 3, called the Armed Forces' Tax Guide.

IRS form 4868 must be filed to receive an extension on filing a personal tax return.
IRS form 4868 must be filed to receive an extension on filing a personal tax return.

You can also get an extension on a tax return if you are filing returns for corporations, trusts, or partnerships. In order to get this extension, you must file Form 7004. This will again extend time you have to file your taxes for six months. The only difference between this form and Form 4868 is that the extension time begins at the end of your fiscal year. Some companies may not have the same tax year that individuals have. Again, the form should be filed by the last date of your fiscal year.

A few other forms may give you an extension on a tax return if you have special tax circumstances. For instance, if you need extra time to pay estate taxes, you can apply for extensions. Check with the IRS or your accountant to see if you qualify for an extension on a tax return based on your special circumstances.

As noted, most extensions will ask you to estimate tax you owe, if you think you owe any. If you do not make an arrangement with the IRS to start repaying taxes, expect to pay late fees. Also expect that the IRS will start charging you interest on any money you do owe when you file your taxes, if you cannot immediately pay for them. It is a good idea, if you haven't filed your return, to make a repayment arrangement with the IRS. At minimum, start making payments to the IRS if you know you will owe taxes when you eventually file your return. These payments can then be deducted from the amount you owe at the time of filing.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Eviemae

@tlcJPC - Hey! I know – taxes are a bummer. But, there is some good news for you, I think. I am by no means an expert, but learned this the good old fashioned way (through experience); if you owe money, you are okay. You actually have a few years to file that return and get your money back. Not real sure how many years exactly, but I had to do that once. If I remember correctly, I couldn't use an electronic tax return that year. I believe it was strictly snail mail - but, like I said, that was a few years ago. As for tax jail – I have no clue and don’t want to find out. Go get that money, honey!

tlcJPC

I have the hardest time figuring out this tax stuff. There are so many tax forms that I just can't keep up with them all. I'm always behind, but this year I've actually missed the deadline for filing. Am I in major trouble or can I straighten this out fairly painlessly? I don't think I owe money this year, but I'm not sure. How can I find out? Am I going to get thrown in tax jail or something? I’ve always heard its bad to miss the deadline, but don’t have a clue what happens if you do. Any help would be much appreciated!

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    • An accountant can help people determine whether they qualify for an extension on their taxes.
      By: mim
      An accountant can help people determine whether they qualify for an extension on their taxes.
    • IRS form 4868 must be filed to receive an extension on filing a personal tax return.
      By: Luevanos
      IRS form 4868 must be filed to receive an extension on filing a personal tax return.