How taxpayers can request an extension to file your taxes
Taxpayers who need more time to file your taxes can get an automatic extension from the IRS six months. For most taxpayers, the deadline for filing taxes this year is today, April 15th. Taxpayers who live in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2019 to file their returns. This is due to the Patriots Day holiday on April 15 in those two states, and also the Emancipation Day holiday on April 16 in the District of Columbia.
There are a few different ways that taxpayers can request an extension.
- Use the IRS Free File to request an extension. While taxpayers can use IRS Free File to prepare and electronically file your taxes for free, you can also use it for free and electronically file an extension request . The IRS must receive electronically filed an extension before midnight the day of the deadline. Taxpayers can access Free File to prepare and electronically file your return until 15 October.
- Use Form 4868 (SP). Fill out an application for an extension via Form 4868 (SP) , Application for Automatic Extension to File Tax Personal Income United States.
- Use electronic payment options. The IRS will automatically process an extension of time to file when taxpayers pay all or part of their taxes electronically before the April deadline. No need to file a Form 4868 (SP) electronically or on paper to make a payment with Direct Payment IRS with System Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS, for its acronym in English) or card credit or debit card . Select “Form 4868” as payment type. Keep the confirmation as proof of payment.
The following are things you should know about requesting an extension:
- More time to file is no longer to pay. Request an extension to fileprovides taxpayers more time to file taxes, it does not provide additional time to pay the taxes owed. Taxpayers must estimate and pay any tax due by the deadline of April to avoid the possibility of fines.
- The IRS can help. The IRS offers payment options to taxpayers who can not pay all the tax they owe. In most cases, they can request an installment plan through the Electronic Application for Installment Payment Agreement at IRS.gov. They can also file Form 9465 (SP),Request for Installment Payment Plan. If a taxpayer can not make the payments due to financial hardship , the IRS can help.