How to file an extension for taxes in 2025

Filing a tax extension is straightforward and gives you an additional 6 months (until October 15, 2025) to file your federal return. Here is how to do it.

How to file Form 4868:

• E-file for free: Use IRS Free File at irs.gov/freefile to submit Form 4868 electronically at no cost
• Through tax software: TurboTax, H&R Block, and other software can file the extension for you
• By mail: Print Form 4868, fill it out, and mail it to the IRS address listed in the form instructions
• By paying: If you make a payment through IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, or by credit/debit card and select "extension" as the payment type, the IRS treats this as an automatic extension without needing to file Form 4868 separately

Critical point: An extension to file is NOT an extension to pay. You must estimate your total tax liability and pay any amount owed by April 15, 2025. If you underpay, you will owe interest (currently 7% annually) and potentially the 0.5% per month failure-to-pay penalty on the unpaid balance.

Who should file an extension? Anyone who needs more time to gather documents (K-1s from partnerships often arrive late), is waiting for corrected forms, or simply needs more time to make strategic decisions like maximizing deductions. There is no penalty for filing an extension as long as you pay your estimated taxes on time.

State extensions: Some states grant automatic extensions if you file a federal extension. Others require a separate state extension form. Check your state requirements.