Fill in Form 4868 online
Gives individuals an automatic 6-month extension to file their federal income tax return, but not to pay.
Do not sign this form electronically. Form 4868 has to be signed by hand, in person or through the agency’s own filing system. You can type your details into the PDF here, then print it and follow the official instructions to sign and submit it.
Form 4868 at a glance
- Official name
- Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
- Issued by
- IRS
- Country
- United States
- Category
- Tax
- Language
- English
- Who uses it
- Individuals filing Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR or 1040-SS who need more time to file.
- Signature
Check with the recipient
Form 4868 does not ask for a signature. You can also get the extension by e-filing it or by paying electronically and marking the payment as an extension.
- Instructions
- Official IRS page
Form 4868 gives individuals an automatic extension of 6 months to file their federal income tax return, usually to 15 October. It does not give more time to pay. Open the official form from irs.gov in BunnyDoc's free Sign PDF tool straight from this page, type into its fillable fields and download it to print and mail. The file is handled in your browser and never leaves your device.
How to fill in Form 4868
Check the tax year
Use the 4868 for the tax year you are extending. The current PDF on irs.gov is for the most recent tax year the IRS has published.
Consider the faster routes
If you pay all or part of your tax electronically, through IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS or a card, and mark it as an extension payment, you get the extension without filing the form. You can also e-file Form 4868 with tax software.
Identification (lines 1 to 3)
Enter your name and address, your SSN, and your spouse's SSN if you file jointly.
Estimate your tax (lines 4 to 7)
Enter your estimated total tax on line 4, the payments you have made on line 5, the balance due on line 6, and the amount you are paying now on line 7.
Tick any special boxes (lines 8 and 9)
Tick line 8 if you live outside the US and Puerto Rico, or are on military duty abroad. Tick line 9 if you file Form 1040-NR and had no wages subject to US withholding.
Mail it by the due date
Mail it by the return's original due date, usually 15 April, to the IRS address for your state, which differs depending on whether you include a payment.
What you need before you start
- Your SSN, and your spouse's if filing jointly.
- A reasonable estimate of your total tax for the year.
- The tax you have already paid through withholding or estimated payments.
- The IRS where-to-file page for your mailing address.
An extension to file, not to pay
The form itself says Form 4868 does not extend the time to pay. Interest runs on any tax not paid by the regular due date, and a late payment penalty can apply. Pay as much as you can when you request the extension. You do not need to give a reason; the IRS only contacts you if the request is denied.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the extension also delays payment.
- Sending the form after the original due date.
- Using the mailing address for your return rather than the one for Form 4868.
- Filing the form as well as an electronic extension payment; one is enough.
Form 4868: frequently asked questions
How long does Form 4868 extend my deadline?
6 months, usually to 15 October. US citizens and residents living abroad who tick line 8 can get an extra 4 months in some cases.
Does Form 4868 give me more time to pay?
No. Tax is still due by the original deadline, and interest and possibly penalties apply to late payment.
Do I need to sign Form 4868?
No. The form has no signature line.
Can I file Form 4868 online?
Yes. You can e-file it with tax software, including IRS Free File, or simply make an electronic payment marked as an extension.
Do I need to explain why I need an extension?
No. The extension is automatic and you do not have to give a reason.
Is BunnyDoc connected to the IRS?
No. BunnyDoc is not affiliated with the IRS. We link to the official form on irs.gov and give you a free tool to fill it in your browser.
BunnyDoc is not affiliated with IRS. Always download the latest edition from the official site and follow its instructions for signing and filing.
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