How to File for a Tax Extension

Who Can File for a Tax Extension?

A tax extension is an official request granted by the IRS that allows taxpayers extra time to file their income tax returns without requiring an explanation. All U.S. taxpayers are eligible, and any taxpayer can file an online tax extension. Filing electronically via IRS eFile has a 99% approval rate and typically takes less than five minutes.

By filing a personal or business tax extension, individuals can extend their tax filing deadline from April 15 to October 15. Business entities may receive a five- or six-month extension, depending on their business type and tax form. However, while an extension provides more time to file, it does not extend the deadline for paying taxes owed. To avoid penalties and interest, taxpayers must estimate and pay any tax liability by the original due date.

Tax Extensions for Individuals and Families (Form 4868)

Single filers, married couples (filing jointly or separately), and heads of household can request an IRS tax extension using Form 4868. This extension applies to individual income tax returns, including Forms 1040, 1040-SR, and 1040-NR. If you expect to owe taxes, filing a tax extension with Form 4868 can help you avoid IRS penalties. However, any federal or state taxes owed must be paid by April 15 to avoid interest and additional late payment penalties.

Tax Extensions for Self-Employed and LLCs (Forms 4868 & 7004)

Sole proprietors filing Schedule C can request an IRS tax extension using Form 4868, and single‑member LLCs taxed as sole proprietorships should also use this form. Multi‑member LLCs taxed as partnerships must file Form 7004 to request a tax extension from the IRS.

Business and Corporate Tax Extensions (Forms 7004 & 4868)

C corporations filing Form 1120 must submit Form 7004 for an IRS tax extension, though tax payments remain due by April 15. S corporations (Form 1120‑S) and partnerships (Form 1065) have an earlier filing deadline of March 15 and must file Form 7004 to extend their deadline until September 15.

What Is IRS Form 4868 and How to File It?

Form 4868, the Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, allows individual taxpayers to extend their filing deadline by six months. This form can be e‑filed directly with the IRS or mailed. However, e‑filing a personal tax extension with Form 4868 provides real‑time confirmation of receipt and acceptance, whereas mailing through USPS does not guarantee tracking or acceptance, which could result in penalties and fines if the IRS does not receive the form.

How to File Form 4868 (for a personal tax extension)

1. Gather Financial Records
   • Collect necessary documents, such as W‑2s, 1099s, deduction records, and credit documentation. You will also need your Social Security number.
2. Estimate Your Tax Liability
   • Use IRS worksheets or reputable tax software to estimate taxes as accurately as possible.
3. Choose a Filing Method
   • E‑file form 4868 for a tax extension for immediate IRS confirmation of approval.
   • Mail a paper form before the April 15, 2025 deadline (postmark required).
4. Make an Estimated Tax Payment
   • Pay any estimated taxes owed by April 15 to minimize penalties and interest.

What is IRS Form 7004 and How to File It?

Businesses can file IRS Form 7004, the “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns,” to request an extension for various business tax forms. Businesses generally receive an extension of five to six months, depending on the type of entity.

Key business tax extension deadlines:

• C Corporations (Form 1120): Original deadline April 15, extended deadline October 15, 2025.
• S Corporations & Partnerships (Forms 1120‑S, 1065): Original deadline March 15, extended deadline September 15, 2025.

Steps to File Form 7004 (for a business tax extension)

1. Gather Required Information
   • Collect essential business records, including income statements, balance sheets, and expense reports.
   • Ensure you have your Employer Identification Number (EIN), as it is required for filing.
2. Estimate Business Tax Liability
   • Use IRS guidance or accounting software to calculate your estimated tax liability as accurately as possible.
3. Choose a Filing Method
   • Electronic Filing: Use the IRS Modernized e‑File (MeF) system to efile your business tax extension for real‑time confirmation and greater accuracy.
   • Paper Filing: Mail a completed Form 7004, ensuring it is postmarked before the deadline.
4. Pay Estimated Taxes
   • Submit estimated tax payments by the original due date to avoid penalties and interest.

Key Considerations: IRS Filing & Payment Deadlines

A tax extension delays your filing deadline, but it does not extend the payment deadline. Any estimated taxes owed must be paid by April 15, 2025, to avoid IRS late tax filing and payment penalties:

• Failure‑to‑pay penalty: 0.5% per month on any unpaid tax balance.
• Interest accrual: Compounded daily on any unpaid amount from the original due date.

State‑Specific Tax Extensions

While federal tax extensions follow a standard process, state extension rules vary. Some states automatically grant an extension when a federal extension is filed, while others require separate forms. For an overview of state‑specific rules and forms, review our resources on business state tax extensions and state tax extensions to determine whether your state requires an extension, which forms are needed, and how to file them. If you file an extension with an efile service, you can also process your state tax extension as part of the filing process. For more state‑specific information, review the comprehensive state tax extension help.

Best Practices for a Smooth Tax Extension Process

• Start early: Gather records and estimate tax liability well before April 15.
• Use e‑filing: Electronic submission ensures faster processing and fewer errors.
• Make estimated payments: Reduce penalties by paying a portion of taxes owed.
• Monitor IRS updates: Stay informed of any tax law changes or extensions.
• Consult a tax professional: If your tax situation is complex, professional guidance can prevent costly mistakes.
• Keep records: Store copies of filed extensions, estimated payments, and IRS confirmations for future reference.

Key Points and Important Dates

Key Points:

• A tax extension grants additional time to file but does not extend the payment deadline.
• Use Form 4868 for individuals and Form 7004 for businesses.
• Estimated tax payments must be made by April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties.
• State tax extension rules vary—confirm requirements with your state tax agency.
• Keep copies of all extension confirmations for future reference.

Important Dates:

• March 15, 2025: Original deadline for S corporations and partnerships (Forms 1120‑S, 1065). Extended deadline: September 15, 2025.
• April 15, 2025: Original deadline for individuals (Form 1040) and C corporations (Form 1120). Extended deadline: October 15, 2025.
• June 15, 2025: Automatic two‑month extension deadline for U.S. citizens living abroad.
• October 15, 2025: Final extended filing deadline for individuals and C corporations.