This is by far the fastest, simplest way to get an extension on tax filing. If you plan on paying your taxes online, you can get an automatic six-month extension without filling out any other forms. File by paying electronically (time: <5 minutes)

You’ll have tax due six months after your normal filing date.įor everyone else, to receive an extension, you must submit an application for automatic extension. If any of these exceptions apply, you’ll automatically receive an extension of time to file your tax return-you do not need to file for the extension. citizen living in parts of the country that have been hit by severe natural disasters You’re a member of the military serving outside of the U.S.You’re an individual working in a combat zone in support of the U.S.You’ll get a six month automatic extension of time if: But before we get into how to avoid late filing penalties, you should know there might be a chance you don’t need to file for an extension at all. “If you owe money, you need to estimate the amount, then file your extension and make your payment by April 15.Sole proprietors: here’s how you file for an extension onlineįiling for a sole proprietorship or self-employed extension, you’ll follow virtually the same steps it takes to file a personal tax return. “The extension only pushes back the due date for the paperwork,” TurboTax explains. If you can’t pay your taxes in full, the IRS offers payment options such as installments. To pay this amount, you can use IRS Direct Pay online or by phone.

If you don’t, you’ll pay interest on the amount anyway and may face a penalty as well.

A tax extension mostly just allows you get your records in order. You still have to estimate how much you’ll owe in taxes and pay that estimated amount by April 15. Just because you’re filing for an extension doesn’t mean you’ll have more time to pay what you owe. These forms don’t ask you to explain why you are filing for an extension. You can also use Form 4868, as long as you mail it to the IRS by April 15. One way is to use Internal Revenue Service’s Free File to electronically file a request for an extension. There are a few ways to file for an extension, a process that you must complete by April 15. Scrambling to organize your finances and pay your taxes by Wednesday? If you live outside the country or file according to the fiscal year rather than the calendar year, you might be able to file for a tax extension and get an extra six months to fill out all those forms.

How to file a 2016 tax extension