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How to File a Tax Extension Online in 2026
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do not influence our editors’ opinions or ratingsHow to File a Tax Extension Online in 2026
For most people, April 15 is the final day to request a six-month tax extension using Form 4868. Here's where and how to file one.
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Expertise Taxes InvestingSabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet, where she manages and writes content on personal income taxes. Her previous experience includes five years as a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. She is based in Brooklyn, New York.
Sabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet, where she manages and writes content on personal income taxes. Her previous experience includes five years as a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. She is based in Brooklyn, New York. Published in Editor & Content Strategist + more + more
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Chris Hutchison helped build NerdWallet's editorial operation and has directed coverage across banking, investing, taxes and insurance. He now leads a team exploring new verticals. Before joining NerdWallet, he was an editor and programmer at ESPN and an editor at the San Jose Mercury News. Head of Content, New Verticals + more + more
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23 years of experience Expertise Taxes Small business Social Security and estate planning Home services RIATina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor and content strategist, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and an MBA. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance at public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.
Tina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor and content strategist, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and an MBA. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance at public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets. Published in Editor & Content Strategist + more + moreFiling a tax extension can be helpful for people who may be missing important tax documents or need extra time to complete their paperwork. Requesting one is relatively straightforward, as long as you do it by Tax Day.
Filing a tax extension can be helpful for people who may be missing important tax documents or need extra time to complete their paperwork. Requesting one is relatively straightforward, as long as you do it by Tax Day.You can apply for an extension using tax software, by e-filing Form 4868 with the IRS or by making an estimated tax payment. If you plan to work with a tax preparer, ask if they can file for an extension on your behalf.
You can apply for an extension using tax software, by e-filing Form 4868 with the IRS or by making an estimated tax payment. If you plan to work with a tax preparer, ask if they can file for an extension on your behalf.What is a tax extension?
What is a tax extension?IRS Form 4868, also known as an “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File,” is a document taxpayers can submit to the IRS if they need more time to file their individual federal tax returns. The last day to submit an extension request is April 15, 2026. Returns filed after this deadline are considered late.
IRS Form 4868, also known as an “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File,” is a document taxpayers can submit to the IRS if they need more time to file their individual federal tax returns. The last day to submit an extension request is April 15, 2026. Returns filed after this deadline are considered late.A tax extension moves your filing deadline by six months, from April 15 to October 15. The IRS generally doesn’t permit additional extensions beyond the initial six months. If you are an American citizen living abroad, the federal deadline to file your income tax return or to request a four-month extension is June 15. (However, keep in mind that your payment deadline is still April 15.)
A tax extension moves your filing deadline by six months, from April 15 to October 15. The IRS generally doesn’t permit additional extensions beyond the initial six months. If you are an American citizen living abroad, the federal deadline to file your income tax return or to request a four-month extension is June 15. (However, keep in mind that your payment deadline is still April 15.)Most states automatically extend your state return if your federal extension is accepted. However, rules vary, so check with your state to see if you need to file one separately.
Most states automatically extend your state return if your federal extension is accepted. However, rules vary, so check with your state to see if you need to file one separately.How tax extensions work
How tax extensions workContrary to how it may sound, a tax extension won’t grant you more time to pay or deal with your tax bill. Submitting Form 4868 merely informs the agency that your tax return (typically Form 1040 and any related paperwork) will arrive late.
Contrary to how it may sound, a tax extension won’t grant you more time to pay or deal with your tax bill. Submitting Form 4868 merely informs the agency that your tax return (typically Form 1040 and any related paperwork) will arrive late.If you expect to owe taxes
If you expect to owe taxes If you expect to owe taxesIf you'll owe taxes, you'll need to estimate your tax bill and submit a payment by Tax Day along with your extension request. Paying at least 90% of what you owe can reduce or help you avoid a late-payment penalty. You can use Form 1040-ES or tax software to estimate your liability. If you can’t pay in full, the IRS recommends you pay what you can to minimize fees or explore IRS payment plans that can help you pay off your balance in increments over time.
If you'll owe taxes, you'll need to estimate your tax bill and submit a payment by Tax Day along with your extension request. Paying at least 90% of what you owe can reduce or help you avoid a late-payment penalty . You can use Form 1040-ES or tax software to estimate your liability. If you can’t pay in full, the IRS recommends you pay what you can to minimize fees or explore IRS payment plans that can help you pay off your balance in increments over time. If you expect a refund If you expect a refundThe IRS does not impose a penalty on tax returns that are filed late if you're due a refund. However, filing a tax extension anyway could be a good idea. For example, if you miscalculate and end up with a tax bill, a tax extension will get you out of a late-filing penalty.
The IRS does not impose a penalty on tax returns that are filed late if you're due a refund. However, filing a tax extension anyway could be a good idea. For example, if you miscalculate and end up with a tax bill, a tax extension will get you out of a late-filing penalty.» MORE: What happens if you don’t file, or file your taxes late?
» MORE: » MORE: What happens if you don’t file, or file your taxes late?How to file a tax extension with the IRS
How to file a tax extension with the IRSIRS Free File: Free File is an IRS tax preparation service for taxpayers who made $89,000 or less in 2025, but anyone — regardless of income — can file a free extension through the program.
IRS Free File: IRS Free File: Free File is an IRS tax preparation service for taxpayers who made $89,000 or less in 2025, but anyone — regardless of income — can file a free extension through the program.By mail: You can apply for a tax extension on paper by filling out Form 4868 and sending it to the IRS through the Postal Service. Make sure to get proof of mailing, and note that it must be postmarked by April 15.
By mail: By mail: You can apply for a tax extension on paper by filling out Form 4868 and sending it to the IRS through the Postal Service. Make sure to get proof of mailing, and note that it must be postmarked by April 15.IRS Direct Pay: Because a tax extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay, it's a good idea to estimate your taxes owed and make a payment along with your extension request. Direct Pay allows you to indicate that you're requesting an extension when you make the payment, which eliminates the need to submit Form 4868 altogether.
IRS Direct Pay: IRS Direct Pay: Because a tax extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay, it's a good idea to estimate your taxes owed and make a payment along with your extension request. Direct Pay allows you to indicate that you're requesting an extension when you make the payment, which eliminates the need to submit Form 4868 altogether.
Nerdy Tip: Mail isn’t always postmarked the day you drop it in a mailbox. If you’re filing close to the deadline, go to the post office and request a manual postmark to avoid penalties.
Nerdy Tip: Nerdy Tip: Mail isn’t always postmarked the day you drop it in a mailbox. If you’re filing close to the deadline, go to the post office and request a manual postmark to avoid penalties.How to file a tax extension online
How to file a tax extension onlineIf you’re using tax software this year, one of the easier ways to request a federal tax extension is directly through the provider. You can simply follow the program’s instructions and see how to file a tax extension electronically. The IRS will send you an electronic acknowledgment when you submit the form.
If you’re using tax software this year, one of the easier ways to request a federal tax extension is directly through the provider. You can simply follow the program’s instructions and see how to file a tax extension electronically. The IRS will send you an electronic acknowledgment when you submit the form.Here’s a quick glance at how to file a free extension with some popular tax software programs
Here’s a quick glance at how to file a free extension with some popular tax software programsProvider
Provider
ProviderHow to file an extension
How to file an extension
How to file an extensionFreeTax USA
FreeTax USALog in, select Account in the upper-right corner, then choose File an Extension.
Log in, select Account Account in the upper-right corner, then choose File an Extension. File an Extension.H&R Block
H&R BlockLog in and go to the Overview tab. Under Tax Filing Resources, select File an extension and follow the prompts to e-file.
Log in and go to the Overview Overview tab. Under Tax Filing Resources, select File an extension File an extension and follow the prompts to e-file.Available mid-March.
Available mid-March. Available mid-March.TaxAct
TaxActLog in and select File → File Extension from the sidebar, then follow the interview prompts.
Log in and select File → File Extension File → File Extension from the sidebar, then follow the interview prompts.TaxSlayer
TaxSlayerLog in and search for Form 4868 using the Form Search tool.
Log in and search for Form 4868 Form 4868 using the Form Search tool. Form Search tool.TurboTax
TurboTaxLog in to your account and go to Tax Tools → File an Extension. You can also file using the Easy Tax Extension tool.
Log in to your account and go to Tax Tools → File an Extension. Tax Tools → File an Extension. You can also file using the Easy Tax Extension tool .Available in March.
Available in March. Available in March.» Ready to file? See our picks for the best tax software this year
» Ready to file? » Ready to file? See our picks for the best tax software this yearHow to fill out Form 4868
How to fill out Form 4868Form 4868 asks you to supply basic information, such as your name, address, Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). If you owe taxes, you’ll also need to include an estimate of that bill and the amount of payment you’re making.
Form 4868 asks you to supply basic information, such as your name, address, Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). If you owe taxes, you’ll also need to include an estimate of that bill and the amount of payment you’re making.You can estimate your taxes by referencing how much you owed last year if your income has not changed drastically. You can also estimate your taxes using a tax calculator or tax-prep software. However, working with a tax pro or using IRS Form 1040-ES may ensure a closer estimate.
You can estimate your taxes by referencing how much you owed last year if your income has not changed drastically. You can also estimate your taxes using a tax calculator or tax-prep software. However, working with a tax pro or using IRS Form 1040-ES may ensure a closer estimate.Who should (and shouldn't) file for an extension
Who should (and shouldn't) file for an extensionThere are many reasons to consider filing Form 4868. The most common one is simply needing more time to collect paperwork. Other reasons include:
There are many reasons to consider filing Form 4868. The most common one is simply needing more time to collect paperwork. Other reasons include:You, your CPA or your tax preparer will not be able to finish your tax return by the deadline.
You, your CPA or your tax preparer will not be able to finish your tax return by the deadline.You cannot file on time because of a significant life, medical or travel event.
You cannot file on time because of a significant life, medical or travel event.You are missing or waiting on certain tax documents you need to file (e.g., a 1099 tax form or Schedule K-1).
You are missing or waiting on certain tax documents you need to file (e.g., a 1099 tax form or Schedule K-1).You want to avoid incurring a failure-to-file penalty.
You want to avoid incurring a failure-to-file penalty.You are self-employed and want extra time to set up a SEP plan, which you may fund until the tax extension deadline. Solo 401(k)s and SIMPLE plans can also be funded until the extension deadline.
You are self-employed and want extra time to set up a SEP plan, which you may fund until the tax extension deadline. Solo 401(k)s and SIMPLE plans can also be funded until the extension deadline.When not to file a tax extension
When not to file a tax extensionFiling Form 4868 doesn't make sense if you’re putting off your return because you can’t afford the tax bill. A tax extension request won’t give you more time to figure out that payment, so the longer you wait to file or pay after Tax Day passes, the more interest and penalties accumulate. If you can’t afford a tax bill, try to file on time, pay as much as you can, and look into an IRS payment plan.
Filing Form 4868 doesn't make sense if you’re putting off your return because you can’t afford the tax bill. A tax extension request won’t give you more time to figure out that payment, so the longer you wait to file or pay after Tax Day passes, the more interest and penalties accumulate. If you can’t afford a tax bill, try to file on time, pay as much as you can, and look into an IRS payment plan .Where to download Form 4868
Where to download Form 4868If you’re using tax software, most programs will help you fill out the form, tally your estimated taxes and e-file the form along with payment. If you’re submitting a paper form, you can download a printable IRS Form 4868 directly from the agency's website
If you’re using tax software, most programs will help you fill out the form, tally your estimated taxes and e-file the form along with payment. If you’re submitting a paper form, you can download a printable IRS Form 4868 directly from the agency's website Internal Revenue Service. About Form 4868. Accessed Dec 22, 2025. .Where to mail Form 4868
Where to mail Form 4868Filing a paper extension by mail requires a few additional steps. Once your form is ready, mail it to your state's applicable IRS or Treasury Department address.
Filing a paper extension by mail requires a few additional steps. Once your form is ready, mail it to your state's applicable IRS or Treasury Department address.If you’re sending a payment with your request for an extension, the check or money order should be made out to the “United States Treasury.” Include your Social Security number and phone number, along with a note listing the tax year and the purpose of the check (e.g., 2025 Form 4868).
If you’re sending a payment with your request for an extension, the check or money order should be made out to the “United States Treasury.” Include your Social Security number and phone number, along with a note listing the tax year and the purpose of the check (e.g., 2025 Form 4868).The IRS doesn't accept cash payments for paper extensions. For more information, see the Form 4868 instructions.
The IRS doesn't accept cash payments for paper extensions. For more information, see the Form 4868 instructions .State of residence
State of residence
State of residenceIf you’re sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:
If you’re sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:
If you’re sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:If you’re not sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:
If you’re not sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:
If you’re not sending an estimated tax payment with your Form 4868:Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas.
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 1302 Charlotte, NC 28201-1302.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 1302 Charlotte, NC 28201-1302.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.Arizona, New Mexico.
Arizona, New Mexico.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503, Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503, Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 931300 Louisville, KY 40293-1300.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 931300 Louisville, KY 40293-1300.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Kansas City, MO 64999-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Kansas City, MO 64999-0045.Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.
Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Ogden, UT 84201-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Ogden, UT 84201-0045.Arkansas, Oklahoma.
Arkansas, Oklahoma.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 931300 Louisville, KY 40293-1300.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 931300 Louisville, KY 40293-1300.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0045.Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.
Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503.Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Kansas City, MO 64999-0045.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center Kansas City, MO 64999-0045.For more information on where to send a paper extension request if you live in a foreign country, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, use an APO or FPO address, are a dual-status citizen or nonpermanent residents of Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands, see the instructions for Form 4868.
For more information on where to send a paper extension request if you live in a foreign country, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, use an APO or FPO address, are a dual-status citizen or nonpermanent residents of Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands, see the instructions for Form 4868 .How automatic tax extensions work
How automatic tax extensions workSome people don’t need to worry about applying for tax extensions because they automatically get more time if they meet certain criteria.
Some people don’t need to worry about applying for tax extensions because they automatically get more time if they meet certain criteria.U.S. citizens or residents who lived and worked outside of the country on the tax filing deadline may automatically get two extra months to file their return without having to request a tax extension. If you need additional time beyond those two months, you have to file for an extension by the mid-June deadline to extend your filing deadline to October.
U.S. citizens or residents who lived and worked outside of the country on the tax filing deadline may automatically get two extra months to file their return without having to request a tax extension. If you need additional time beyond those two months, you have to file for an extension by the mid-June deadline to extend your filing deadline to October.Some military members also automatically get extra time, depending on where they are and what they’re doing. The amount of extra time here depends on where the service member is and what they are doing. For example, soldiers in combat areas can get an extra 180 days from their last day in a combat zone to file their tax returns. Hospitalization due to combat injury can prolong the extension.
Some military members also automatically get extra time, depending on where they are and what they’re doing. The amount of extra time here depends on where the service member is and what they are doing. For example, soldiers in combat areas can get an extra 180 days from their last day in a combat zone to file their tax returns. Hospitalization due to combat injury can prolong the extension.People living in areas affected by certain natural disasters may also automatically receive more time.
People living in areas affected by certain natural disasters may also automatically receive more time.Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questionsNo. In fact, filing a tax extension can help you avoid a late-filing penalty. As long as you file an extension by the deadline and pay an estimate of your taxes owed, you are given a few extra months to get your cards in order.
No. In fact, filing a tax extension can help you avoid a late-filing penalty . As long as you file an extension by the deadline and pay an estimate of your taxes owed, you are given a few extra months to get your cards in order.Nothing. Filers can submit a tax extension for free up until the April 15 deadline.
Nothing. Filers can submit a tax extension for free up until the April 15 deadline.You can't request more than one tax extension per return.
You can't request more than one tax extension per return.The rules for requesting a state tax extension can vary. In some states, you might have to file an additional form, while in others, it might automatically be granted if you miss the original tax deadline. In certain states, a federal tax extension also serves as a state extension. Illinois, for example, automatically extends the state tax return deadline to mid-October if a person's federal tax extension is approved.
The rules for requesting a state tax extension can vary. In some states, you might have to file an additional form, while in others, it might automatically be granted if you miss the original tax deadline. In certain states, a federal tax extension also serves as a state extension. Illinois , for example, automatically extends the state tax return deadline to mid-October if a person's federal tax extension is approved.Your state's tax department is the easiest way to determine your state income tax deadline and how to file for a state tax extension.
Your state's tax department is the easiest way to determine your state income tax deadline and how to file for a state tax extension.» MORE: State income tax rates and brackets
» MORE: » MORE: State income tax rates and bracketsON THIS PAGE
What is a tax extension? What is a tax extension? How tax extensions work How tax extensions work How to file a tax extension with the IRS How to file a tax extension with the IRS How to file a tax extension online How to file a tax extension online How to fill out Form 4868 How to fill out Form 4868 Who should (and shouldn't) file for an extension Who should (and shouldn't) file for an extension Where to download Form 4868 Where to download Form 4868 Where to mail Form 4868 Where to mail Form 4868 How automatic tax extensions work How automatic tax extensions work Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questionsON THIS PAGE
What is a tax extension? What is a tax extension? How tax extensions work How tax extensions work How to file a tax extension with the IRS How to file a tax extension with the IRS How to file a tax extension online How to file a tax extension online How to fill out Form 4868 How to fill out Form 4868 Who should (and shouldn't) file for an extension Who should (and shouldn't) file for an extension Where to download Form 4868 Where to download Form 4868 Where to mail Form 4868 Where to mail Form 4868 How automatic tax extensions work How automatic tax extensions work Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions More like this Taxes IRS Free File: What It Is, How It Works Interested in the IRS Free File service? All you need to know about the program, plus other IRS options for free tax filing. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem 10 Key IRS Tax Forms, Schedules and Publications for 2026 Here are some major IRS tax forms, schedules and publications everyone should know. Tina Orem 1040 Form: What It Is, How to Fill One Out in 2026 Here's what you need to know about Form 1040: the mother of all tax forms. 2 By Tina Orem, Sabrina Parys