Although paying your taxes on time is important, many times people don’t know how soon they need to file an extension until it’s too late. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows taxpayers to request a tax extension if their return cannot be filed by the due date. You should file for an extension as soon as possible to give yourself more time to complete and submit a complete and accurate tax return. I’m going to go over how long you have to file taxes with an extension, the proper forms to file and what are the acceptable reasons why you haven’t filed before the deadline.

You are supposed to file your taxes by April 15 every year. But if you miss the tax return filing deadline, don’t worry. You can file for an extension by filing Form 4868 and pay any amount due from your last tax return. Extensions and the Form 4868 are different things. The extension allows you to delay having to pay any taxes owed on a timely filed original federal income tax return until after October 15. If you don’t pay your taxes by the October deadline, even with the extension, interest will still be charged retroactive to April 15th on whatever amount is still owed regardless of when it’s paid.

If you aren’t able to file your taxes on time, you can ask for an extension. There are different rules for filing an extension depending on your situation.

If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien living abroad, and you meet certain requirements, you may be able to file Form 4768 and get an automatic 6-month extension of time to file your return.

For most taxpayers, the automatic 2-month extension will be enough time to finish your returns and mail them in on time. If this isn’t enough time for you, you can request additional extensions from the IRS.

If you need more than 3 months to prepare your return, or you cannot file by the regular April 15 deadline because of circumstances beyond your control (such as natural disaster), then there is no penalty if you attach Form 4868 with a statement explaining why it was not possible for you to file by April 15th. You must also attach documentation supporting your claim that shows a major disaster occurred in your area during the tax year; OR that shows a major disaster occurred outside of your area but prevented you from gathering necessary records; OR that shows that another reason prevented preparation of the return by April 15th (e.g., hospitalization).

What Is the Tax Extension Time Period?

Are you concerned that you won’t get all your documents together in time to file your return before the due date? Or maybe you just don’t have time to complete your taxes? Don’t worry; it can happen.

Luckily, the IRS allows taxpayers to request an extension. So, what is the tax extension time period? Once you’ve requested the extension, you automatically have an additional six months beyond the original filing deadline. That means your taxes are due on October 15.

To request an extension, you’ll need to submit IRS Tax Form 4868 before April 15 (July 15 in 2020). You can submit Form 4686 electronically by e-filing or by mail using the paper form. If you don’t need the entire tax extension time period to complete your return, simply file your return at any time in the six-month period.

If I Have a Tax Extension, How Long Do I Have to Pay My Taxes?

A common question for taxpayers filing a tax extension is how long they have to pay their tax balance. It’s important to understand that an extension only gives you more time to complete your return — it doesn’t give you more time to pay your taxes.

When submitting your request for an extension, be sure to include payment for any taxes due by the original tax due date to avoid interest or penalties.

Deadline for filing income tax returns that have received extensions

Filing tax returns on time

Generally, the due date for filing your income taxes is April 15. However, in some years it can fall on a weekend or a holiday. Therefore, the tax deadline can change to April 16, 17, or even 18 depending on the situation.

If you request and are granted a federal tax extension, you typically have until October 15 to file you tax return.

• In some states, federal extensions automatically extend your state income tax deadline.
• Other states, like New York, require a separate extension request.

When tax extensions are rejected

Even when filed before the deadline, some tax extension requests are rejected on or after that date. You’ll get notified in an email or letter from the IRS if your extension request is denied. While the reasons behind this vary, the most common ones are:

• Misspellings, switched numbers and other errors on the extension form
• Out-of-date information, like old addresses or last names that don’t match up to the IRS records

In these cases, the IRS provides a window of time—typically five days—in which you may fix issues and correct errors with your request in order to file again.

Let an expert do your taxes for you, start to finish with TurboTax Live Full Service. Or you can get your taxes done right, with experts by your side with TurboTax Live Assisted. File your own taxes with confidence using TurboTax. Just answer simple questions, and we’ll guide you through filing your taxes with confidence. Whichever way you choose, get your maximum refund guaranteed.