Tax extension deadlines
An extension must be requested by the original due date of the return. Below are the typical deadlines by form and entity type. Specific dates shift each year for weekends and holidays — always confirm the current-year date for your situation.
Individuals (Form 1040)
Individuals file Form 4868 to request an automatic extension. The request is typically due by the individual filing deadline — generally April 15 (TODO(verify): exact current-year date). A granted extension generally moves the filing deadline about six months later, to around October 15 (TODO(verify)).
About a personal extension (Form 4868) →Businesses
Businesses file Form 7004. The deadline depends on the entity type and tax year. For calendar-year filers, typical original due dates are:
| Partnerships & multi-member LLCs (1065) | Typically March 15 |
| S corporations (1120-S) | Typically March 15 |
| C corporations (1120) | Typically April 15 |
| Estates & trusts (1041) | Typically April 15 |
Fiscal-year filers generally use the 15th day of a set month after year-end. The granted extension is generally six months. TODO(verify): confirm exact current-year dates and fiscal-year rules per entity.
About a business extension (Form 7004) →Nonprofits (990 series)
Tax-exempt organizations file Form 8868. The return is generally due by the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization's year-end — for calendar-year organizations that's typically May 15 (TODO(verify)). A granted extension is generally six months, moving a calendar-year filer to around November 15 (TODO(verify)).
About a nonprofit extension (Form 8868) →Key reminders
- File the extension before the original deadline — late requests are not accepted.
- Pay any estimated balance due with the extension to avoid interest and the failure-to-pay penalty.
- If a deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it generally shifts to the next business day.
Disclaimer: deadlines are summarized for general guidance, not tax advice. Verify the current-year date for your situation.