How to File a Federal Tax Extension Form with the IRS
- 1). Download Internal Revenue Service Form 4868 from the IRS website.
- 2). Use the information you have to complete your taxes to the best of your ability. The information needed to complete Form 4868 will be calculated using the information found on your income tax forms.
- 3). Enter your total tax liability on line 4 of Form 4868. See line 60 on Form 1040, line 37 on Form 1040A or line 11 on Form 1040 EZ for this information.
- 4). Enter the total amount of payments made during the tax year on line 5 of Form 4868. See line 71 on Form 1040, line 44 on Form 1040A or line 10 on Form 1040EZ to find this amount.
- 5). Determine the balance due (line 6) by subtracting the total payments made (line 5) from the total tax liability (line 4). This will provide an estimate of the amount due. If line 5 is larger than line 4, you don't owe any tax.
- 6). Indicate the amount you are paying on line 7. If you cannot pay the total amount on line 6, you can still get the extension, but you should pay as much as you can to limit the amount of interest you will owe.
- 7). Mail the completed Form 4868 along with a check or money order for your estimated tax payment to the appropriate service center. Service centers are listed according to your state of residence. You also can file Form 4868 electronically. To make your payment this way, authorize a withdrawal from your checking account at the time you file Form 4868 electronically, or use a preferred service provider listed on Form 4868 to pay by credit or debit card online or over the phone.
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