Rhode Island individual income tax returns are due by April 15 in most years. If you cannot file by this date, you can get a state tax extension. A Rhode Island personal extension will give you 6 extra months to file, moving the filing deadline to October 15.

If you have a valid Federal tax extension (IRS Form 4868) and you owe zero Rhode Island tax, you will automatically receive a Rhode Island tax extension (provided that both extensions cover the same period). You do not need to file a separate state extension application. Make sure to attach a copy of your Federal extension to your Rhode Island tax return when it’s filed.

If you don’t have a Federal extension, you can request a Rhode Island extension with Form RI-4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File a Rhode Island Individual Income Tax Return). Note that Form RI-4868 must be completed in duplicate — file the original by the prescribed deadline of your return (April 15), and attach the copy to your Rhode Island tax return when it’s filed.

A tax extension gives you more time to file, but not more time to pay state tax. To avoid penalties and interest, your Rhode Island tax liability must be paid by the original due date (April 15). You should include your extension payment with Form RI-4868.

NOTE: Do not file Form RI-4868 if you aren’t required to make an extension payment.

For more information, please visit the Rhode Island Division of Taxation website: www.tax.ri.gov