Need to file for a tax extension today? Read this first.
Short answer
– Yes—file the extension. It takes minutes, gives you until mid‑October to file the return, and avoids the steep failure‑to‑file penalty.
– No—an extension does not extend the time to pay. Pay as much as you can today to limit interest and the smaller failure‑to‑pay penalty.
What an extension does and doesn’t do
– Does:
– Extend your federal individual income tax filing deadline by six months (typically to October 15).
– Help you avoid the failure‑to‑file penalty (generally 5% per month, up to 25%) as long as you file the return by the extended date.
– Doesn’t:
– Extend the time to pay. Interest starts from the original due date on any unpaid tax.
– Stop the failure‑to‑pay penalty (generally 0.5% per month, up to 25%) on unpaid balances.
– Extend the due date for your first quarter estimated tax payment (also due today).
– Extend the deadline for prior‑year IRA or HSA contributions. Those are due by the original April deadline. Exception: SEP-IRA and solo 401(k) employer contributions can be made by the extended due date if you file an extension.
The fastest way to file an extension today
Option A: Pay with “Extension” as the reason (no separate Form 4868 needed)
– Use IRS Direct Pay (from checking/savings) or a card processor.
– Choose “Extension” as the reason for payment and “Form 4868” for the form.
– Paying this way by the deadline automatically files your extension. Keep the confirmation.
Option B: File Form 4868 electronically (no payment required to file)
– Use IRS Free File (if eligible) or any tax software to submit Form 4868.
– If you can’t e‑file, you can mail Form 4868, but it must be postmarked by today; use certified mail and keep the receipt.
What you’ll need
– Your name, address, SSN (and spouse’s, if applicable), and filing status.
– An estimate of your total tax for the year, total withholding and estimated payments made so far, and the amount you’ll pay with the extension.
– If e‑filing: last year’s AGI or an IP PIN, if you have one.
How much should you pay with the extension?
– Aim for at least 90% of your expected total tax to minimize penalties. If you can’t, pay as much as possible—every dollar reduces interest and penalty.
– Quick estimate approach for today:
– If your income is similar to last year: use last year’s total tax as a guide, adjust up for extra untaxed income (e.g., 1099, investment gains) and down for large changes (e.g., more withholding, bigger credits).
– If your income increased a lot: add a cushion. Remember, withholding shown on W‑2s and any estimated taxes already paid reduce what you owe now.
– Even if you can’t pay: still file the extension. It avoids the much larger failure‑to‑file penalty.
Payment options (today)
– IRS Direct Pay: Free, immediate confirmation; bank account only.
– Debit/credit card via IRS‑approved processors: Fees apply; still counts as an extension when you choose “Extension”/Form 4868.
– EFTPS: Works if you’re already enrolled; selecting “4868” counts as an extension. Enrollment can’t be done same‑day.
– Check by mail: Include a 4868 voucher; must be postmarked today. Use certified mail.
If you’re expecting a refund
– There’s no penalty for filing late when you’re due a refund, but filing an extension is still smart to protect your timeline and keep things clean.
– Don’t skip your state return timing considerations (see below).
Don’t forget your state
– Many states require a separate extension or payment; some accept the federal extension automatically, but most still require you to pay any expected state balance by today.
– Search your state’s revenue/tax department page for “individual extension” and follow their payment/filing steps.
Special situations
– Outside the U.S. on the due date: You get an automatic 2‑month extension to file and pay. Interest still accrues from the original due date. You can also file Form 4868 for more time to file.
– Combat zone or contingency operation: You generally get additional automatic time to file and pay after leaving the zone; interest and penalties are typically suspended. Check IRS guidance.
– Declared disaster area: You may already have extra time automatically. Look up “IRS disaster relief” and your state/county.
– Foreign Earned Income Exclusion timing: If you need more time specifically to meet the bona fide residence or physical presence test, consider Form 2350 instead of (or in addition to) Form 4868.
– Self‑employed and gig workers: First quarter estimated tax is due today regardless of your extension. Make that separate 1040‑ES payment to avoid underpayment penalties.
Common last‑minute mistakes to avoid
– Thinking an extension delays payment. It doesn’t. Pay what you can now.
– Using the wrong payment reason/form online. Choose “Extension” and “Form 4868” for individuals.
– Forgetting your state extension/payment.
– Mismatching SSNs, names, or address changes—these can cause rejections. Match the SSA record.
– Mailing without proof. If you must mail, use certified mail and keep the receipt.
– Paying but not keeping documentation. Save confirmations and screenshots.
What happens next
– After filing the extension and paying what you can, gather your documents and aim to file well before the extended deadline.
– If you underpaid today, interest and the failure‑to‑pay penalty will continue on the unpaid balance until you file and pay the rest.
– If you’ll owe and can’t pay in full at filing, consider an IRS payment plan when you submit your return.
Quick checklist for today
– Decide: pay-with-extension online (fastest) or e‑file Form 4868.
– Estimate your tax and choose how much to pay.
– Make the federal payment (and Q1 estimated payment if needed).
– File or confirm your federal extension.
– Handle your state extension/payment.
– Save all confirmations.
If you get stuck
– Use IRS Direct Pay for a fast extension payment with automatic extension filing.
– If an e‑file system asks for prior‑year AGI and you don’t have it, switch to paying with “Extension” via Direct Pay to secure the extension, then sort out the rest later.
Bottom line
File the extension today, pay as much as you can, and don’t forget your state and quarterly estimates. Doing these few steps now can save you substantial penalties and stress later.
