Form 4868

File Form 4868 Online — Personal Tax Extension

Get an automatic 6-month extension on your personal 1040 return in about five minutes. Flat $4.95 — our cheapest form, with instant IRS e-file and email confirmation when it's accepted.

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Who files Form 4868?

Form 4868 is the IRS Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You file it if you need more time to file your personal Form 1040, including:

  • Individuals who need more time to file a Form 1040
  • Married couples filing jointly (add your spouse's SSN)
  • Sole proprietors filing a Schedule C with their 1040
  • Anyone who simply isn't ready by the April deadline

Filing for a business entity instead? Use Form 7004. For a 990-series nonprofit return, use Form 8868.

When is Form 4868 due?

File Form 4868 by the original individual filing deadline — generally around April 15 (TODO(verify): exact current-year date). A granted extension generally moves your filing deadline about six months later, to around October 15 (TODO(verify)). Late extension requests are not accepted, so file before the original date.

An extension moves your filing deadline, not your payment deadline. Estimate and pay any balance due by the original date to avoid interest and the failure-to-pay penalty. See the penalties guide.
Full extension deadline breakdown →

What you'll need

  • Your name and home address
  • Your Social Security Number (and your spouse's SSN if filing jointly)
  • Your tax year
  • An estimate of your total tax liability, payments, and any balance due

How it works

  1. 1
    Enter your info

    Add your name, address, SSN, and filing status. We never store sensitive data after your extension is filed.

  2. 2
    Estimate your tax

    Give a rough estimate of total tax, payments, and any balance due — close counts, and you true it up when you file the return.

  3. 3
    Pay the flat fee

    One flat $4.95 fee — shown before you pay, with no subscription or hidden add-ons.

  4. 4
    We e-file with the IRS

    We transmit directly to the IRS and email you the moment your extension is accepted.

Form 4868 FAQ

Is the Form 4868 extension automatic?

Yes. Form 4868 grants an automatic extension — there is no IRS approval step. Filed on time with correct information, the extension is granted.

Does an extension give me more time to pay?

No. Form 4868 only extends the time to file. Tax owed is still due by the original deadline, so pay an estimate with your extension to avoid interest and the failure-to-pay penalty.

How long is the extension?

Form 4868 generally grants an automatic 6-month extension, moving a typical April filer to around October. TODO(verify): confirm the exact current-year dates.

What does it cost to file Form 4868?

A flat $4.95 per filing — our lowest-priced form. No subscription, no tiers, and a money-back guarantee if the IRS rejects a return we can't fix.

Can I file a joint extension with my spouse?

Yes. Choose "Married Filing Jointly" and add your spouse's SSN — one Form 4868 covers both of you.

Be first to file when the IRS opens

Extension e-filing opens when the IRS starts accepting returns in January. Get notified the moment it does — then file in minutes for the lowest price around.

No spam — just one email when filing opens. IRS-authorized e-file provider.

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Need a different form? Form 7004 (business) · Form 8868 (nonprofit)

Disclaimer: general guidance, not tax advice. Confirm the current-year deadline for your situation.