IRS Form 4868: How to File for an Automatic Tax Filing Extension

Sometimes life gets busy and tax season sneaks up on you. If you need more time to prepare your federal tax return, the IRS offers a solution: IRS Form 4868, the Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Filing this form can grant you an extra six months to get your paperwork in order, but there are some important details you should know before submitting it.

In this post, we will walk you through:

• What information you need to fill out Form 4868
• What supporting documents (if any) you should provide
• When to file Form 4868
• What happens after you file the form

What information is required in IRS Form 4868?

Form 4868 is a relatively short form, but it’s important to fill it out accurately. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Your personal information:
   • Full legal name (and spouse’s name, if filing jointly)
   • Current address
   • Social Security Number (and spouse’s SSN, if applicable)
2. Your tax estimate:
   • An estimate of your total tax liability for the year
   • The total amount of tax payments you’ve already made (through withholding, estimated payments, etc.)
   • The balance due, if you owe anything

Even though the form asks for an estimate, you should make your numbers as accurate as possible to avoid penalties or interest.

3. Amount you are paying (optional). If you think you owe taxes, you can send a payment with Form 4868. Making a payment can help reduce or avoid interest and penalties.

Keep in mind: Form 4868 only extends your time to file, not your time to pay. If you don’t pay at least 90% of what you owe by the original deadline (typically April 15), you could still face late payment penalties.

Are supporting documents required when filing Form 4868?

Good news! No additional documents need to be attached when you file Form 4868.

You simply provide the information listed above, your: name, address, SSN, estimated tax information; and submit the form. You do not need to include copies of your W-2s, 1099s, prior tax returns, or any financial statements with your extension request.

However, it’s a smart idea to keep any records that helped you estimate your tax liability (like pay stubs, year-end bank statements, etc.) for your own reference in case you need them when you eventually file your return.

When should you file Form 4868?

You must file Form 4868 on or before the due date of your tax return, which is usually April 15.
If you miss this deadline, you could lose your chance at an automatic extension and may face late filing penalties.

Can you file Form 4868 earlier?

Yes! You can submit Form 4868 any time between the start of tax season (usually late January or early February) and the regular filing deadline (April 15).
Filing it early is a good idea if you already know you won’t be ready by the normal due date.

What happens after filing Form 4868?

After you submit your extension request, here’s what to expect:

• Automatic approval. As long as you submit a properly completed Form 4868 on time, the IRS will automatically grant you a six-month extension to file your tax return. You won’t get an official approval notice unless you file electronically and receive confirmation.
• New filing deadline. Your tax return will now be due on October 15 (or the next business day if October 15 falls on a weekend or holiday).
• Interest and penalties may apply. If you owe taxes and don’t pay enough by the original due date, the IRS may charge interest and possibly late payment penalties even if you receive a filing extension.
• No extension to pay. It’s important to remember that Form 4868 only extends your time to file, not your time to pay. If you can, pay as much of your estimated tax bill as possible when filing the extension.
• Check your status.
  If you e-file, you’ll get an electronic confirmation. If you mail it, you can track it through IRS systems, but it may take longer.

Important tips before filing IRS Form 4868

• File on time. Submit Form 4868 by April 15 to get an automatic extension.
• Pay what you can. Even if you can’t file your full return yet, try to pay at least 90% of what you owe by April 15 to minimize penalties.
• Use IRS e-file. Filing electronically is faster, gives you instant confirmation, and is more secure.
• Stay organized. Keep copies of everything you submit and any calculations you used to estimate your tax bill.

Final Thoughts

If you’re not ready to submit your federal income tax return by the usual April deadline, filing Form 4868 gives you valuable breathing room to gather your documents and avoid costly penalties for late filing. Just remember to file the extension, estimate your taxes carefully, and pay as much as you can by the original due date.

When it comes to taxes, it’s always better to communicate with the IRS early and stay ahead of deadlines even if you’re not 100% ready to file your full return yet.

If you would like to file an automatic extension of time to file your US income tax return, you may download form 4868 from the IRS website linked here.