WHAT IS IRS FORM 4868?

Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

Use Form 4868 to request an automatic extension of time to file a U.S. individual income tax return. The extension will be granted if you properly estimate your tax liability using the information available to you. Enter your total tax liability on Form 4868, and file Form 4868 by the regular due date of your return (April 15th).

Although you are not required to make the full payment of the tax you estimate as due, Form 4868 does not extend the time to pay taxes. If you do not pay the amount due by the regular due date, you will owe interest. You should pay as much as you can to limit the amount of interest you will owe. You may also be charged penalties.

You do not have to explain why you are asking for the extension. IRS will contact you only if your request is denied. Do not file Form 4868 if you want the IRS to figure your tax or you are under a court order to file your return by the regular due.

Use Form 4868 to apply for 6 more months (4 months if U.S. citizen or resident is out of country) to file Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040NR, or 1040NR-EZ.

Calendar year taxpayers should file Form 4868 by April 15, 2025. Fiscal year taxpayers, file Form 4868 by the regular due date of the return.

If a US citizen or resident is out of the country on the regular due date of return, then he/she is allowed 2 extra months to file the return and pay any amount due without requesting an extension. For a calendar year return, this is June 16, 2025. File this form and be sure to check the box if you need an additional 4 months to file your return.