Form 4868

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

Download and Print the Form 4868

Some information from the Form 4868

There are three ways to request an automatic extension of time to file a U.S. individual income tax return.

1. You can file Form 4868 electronically by accessing IRS e-file using your home computer or by using a tax professional who uses e-file.

2. You can pay all or part of your estimate of income tax due using a credit or debit card or by using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

3. You can file a paper Form 4868

It’s Convenient, Safe, and Secure

IRS e-file is the IRS’s electronic filing program.

You can get an automatic extension of time to file your tax return by filing Form 4868 electronically.

You will receive an electronic acknowledgment once you complete the transaction.

Keep it with your records. Do not send in Form 4868 if you file electronically, unless you are making a payment with a check or money order (see page 3).

Complete Form 4868 to use as a worksheet. If you think you may owe tax when you file your return, you will need to estimate your total tax liability and subtract how much you have already paid (lines 4, 5, and 6 below).

Several companies offer free e-filing of Form 4868 through the Free File program. For more details, go to IRS.gov and click on freefile.