IRS Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File

You are granted an automatic 6 month extension of time to file your income tax return by filing Form 4868 by the due date, April 15^th. Filing Form 4868 is available by mailing in a paper copy of the form or you can e-file Form 4868. A federal tax extension also extends your state income tax return, as well.

If you are out of the country on April 15^th, you have until June 15^th to file your extension. A properly filed Form 4868 tax extension gives you until October 15^th to file the return.

An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. This article will outline what a federal tax extension provides and what is not granted an automatic extension.

You will still face interest and penalties if your taxes are not paid by April 15^th. An estimate of your tax liability must be included with the extension, but it is not required you pay the liability for the extension to be valid.

Payments are made by check, credit/debit card, or automatic funds transfer from your checking or savings account. Paper filed extensions are usually paid by check; e-filed extension payments are easy to make by funds transfer.

Interest: You are still liable for interest from the due date until the date the tax is paid, even if you have a valid extension or are granted a 2 month extension because you were out of the country. All taxes are due April 15^th. Interest will accrue from this date until paid no matter what.

Late Payment Penalty: A late payment penalty is assessed for all taxes unpaid by the regular due date. The penalty is .5% (one-half percent) per month until the tax is paid. This penalty cannot exceed 25% and is in addition to interest charges listed above.

If you have reasonable cause for the underpayment and you paid at least 90%, the late payment penalty is waived. Attach a statement with your reason for the underpayment to the tax return when filed.

Late Filing Penalty: Late filed returns are assessed a 5% per month penalty for any balance due. This penalty is capped at 25% and is in addition to the late payment penalty and interest. For returns filed 60 or more days late, the minimum penalty is $135 or the balance due, whichever is less. This penalty is avoided for reasonable cause and the explanation should be attached to the return when filed.

An automatic extension of time to file is granted by filing Form 4868. The late filing penalty is avoided if you file by the extended due date, usually October 15^th. Interest and late payment penalties still apply.

You can read more using the links below.

How to Pay Back Taxes Owed

9 Best Tax Software Programs

The IRS Installment Agreement

The Tax Deductible Roth IRA

Winning IRS Appeals

How to Pay Taxes

How to File an Amended Tax Return

Easy Fix for Missing or Incorrect W-2s

Filing Your Tax Return with a Missing or Incorrect K-1