Form 4868 Due Dates

Filing your taxes on time each year is critical to avoiding penalties and interest charges from the IRS. However, sometimes filing by the standard IRS tax deadline can be difficult or impossible. In situations where you need more time to prepare and file your federal tax return, Form 4868 will help.

What is Form 4868?

Federal Form 4868, also known as the Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is a form used by taxpayers to request an extension of the deadline to file their federal income tax return. Filing this form gives taxpayers an additional 6 months to file their tax return.

This extension is automatic as long as IRS Form 4868 is filled out accurately and fully. You do not have to provide any explanation or reason for requesting the extension.

Filing the extension form only extends the time to file your tax return. It does not extend the deadline to pay any taxes you may owe. You should estimate and pay any owed taxes by the original filing deadline to avoid interest and penalties.

When is the deadline for filing Form 4868?

For the 2024 tax year, the deadline to file Form 4868 is April 15, 2025. This form must be filed on or before the original due date of your tax return.

If you miss the April 15 deadline, the IRS will consider your return late and you may face penalties and interest.

Key dates for the 2024 tax year:

• April 15, 2025: Individual tax returns are due without an extension
• April 15, 2025: Deadline to file Form 4868 for an automatic 6-month extension
• October 15, 2025: Extended deadline for filing individual tax returns if Form 4868 was filed by April 15

How to file Form 4868 for the 2024 tax year?

There are two ways to file the extension form — electronically or by paper mail.

E-filing Form 4868 (Recommended by IRS)

E-filing is the fastest and most accurate way to file the extension. The IRS also recommends that you e-file extension forms for quick processing.

To file Form 4868 online, you can use an IRS-authorized e-file provider like TaxZerone. You will need to estimate your tax liability and pay any amount due when e-filing.

Paper filing

To paper file Form 4868, download the form from IRS.gov. Complete the form with your name, address, Social Security Number, and estimated tax liability. Mail the completed form to the IRS.

Pay any estimated tax owed by including a payment with your form.

Penalties for Form 4868

E-file Form 4868 with TaxZerone

As an IRS-authorized e-file provider, TaxZerone offers the simplest process to e-file Form 4868.

Step 1: Select the tax year and enter personal information such as name, address, and SSN.

Step 2: Calculate the balance due by providing tax liability and payments made.

Step 3: Transmit your return to the IRS and receive a notification once it is accepted.