How To File an Extension On Your Taxes

If you’re a last-minute person, filing your taxes can be a chore. The good news is that you can file an extension on your taxes and avoid paying a penalty. Keep reading to learn how to do it.

When Is Tax Day 2025?

Tax day is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. That’s the last day to file. But what if you need an extension?  We’re going to show you how to do it. Never pay someone to file an extension for you, it’s free to do.

Millions of Americans fail to file their taxes annually, subjecting themselves to huge penalties that accrue interest. You don’t want to be like that.

If you need to file a last-minute extension, here’s what you need to do.

How To File Your Tax Extension Form for Free

Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension.

• Filing this form gives you until Oct. 15 to file a return.
• To get the extension, you must estimate your tax liability on this form and should also pay any amount due.

Get An Extension When You Pay On Your Taxes

If you can only pay part of your tax bill, you can indicate that the payment is for an extension using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or a credit or debit card. This way you won’t have to file a separate extension form and you will receive a confirmation number for your records.

Extension Forms by Filing Status

Individuals

Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF)

Special rules may apply if you are:

• Serving in the U.S. military in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area
• Living outside the United States

Business and Corporations

Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns (PDF)

Form 1138, Extension of Time for Payment of Taxes by a Corporation Expecting a Net Operating Loss Carryback (PDF)

The easiest way for criminals to steal sensitive data is simply to ask for it. IRS urges people to learn to recognize phishing emails, calls or texts that pose as familiar organizations such as banks, credit card companies or even the IRS. Keep sensitive data safe.

Final Word

Tax season is one of many times of the year when you need to be especially careful about your money moves. File an extension on your taxes to save your cash.

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