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Form 4868 - Application For Tax Return Extension | Internal Revenue Service

111 Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20002

Not Applicable.
Eligibility
There are no restrictions for this service.
Required documents
Form 4868 (2020) or Form 4868(SP) - Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U. S. Individual Income Tax Return.
Hours
  • Can request a filing extension until October 15th. If October 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, it will be delayed until the next business day.
  • Available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
(000) 000-0000
Voice·

voice | Online Service

Languages
Spanish.
Application process
  • Visit the website at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf (English) to download the form to return to the IRS or www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868sp.pdf (Spanish).
  • Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the April 15th deadline can request a filing extension until October 15th by filing Form 4868 through a tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov.
Fees
  • No fee to apply for an extension.
  • An extension is a request for additional time to file, not additional time to pay. If tax filers are going to owe, they have to mail in their payment by the tax filing due date to avoid penalty. Taxpayers should pay their federal income tax due by April 15th to avoid interest and penalties.
  • If a tax filer owes money on their tax return, filing Form 4868 with no payment removes the late-filing penalty, but does not remove the late-payment penalty or the interest the unpaid payment begins to accrue after May 15th.
NOTE: There is no penalty for late filing unless you owe the IRS.
Service area
United States
Provides a form to complete and return so individuals may apply for an automatic extension of time to file United States (U. S.) individual income tax return. Filing Form 4868 gives taxpayers until October 15th to file their tax return but does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes due. An extension is a request for additional time to file, not additional time to pay. Taxpayers should pay their federal income tax due by April 15th to avoid interest and penalties. NOTE: If a tax filer is certain they are due a tax refund, it is not necessary to file an extension. There is no penalty for late filing unless you owe the IRS.
Last assured
01/20/2026
What's Here
Tax Forms
Providing organization
Internal Revenue Service
Collects federal income taxes and is responsible for voluntary compliance with tax laws and regulations. Provides tax information and assistance.
Form 4868 - Application For Tax Return Extension | Internal Revenue Service