How to File for a Federal Tax Return Extension
- 1). Print out "Form 4868---Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Income Tax Return" from the IRS website. Use the form as a worksheet to figure your tax due.
- 2). Fill in your name, address, and social security number on lines one and two on the first part of form 4868. Enter your spouse's social security number on line three, if you're filing jointly. Enter the amount of your estimated total tax liability on line four, and the total of your payments on line five. Subtract line five from line four and enter your balance due on line six.
- 3). Log onto the IRS website and click on the "Free File" link found on the right-hand side under "Filing and Payments." Come to the next page and click on "Start Free File Fillable Forms." Create your own account and complete form 4868 online.
- 4). Type the information in the empty boxes on the form exactly as you did on your written worksheet. Choose which form you're filing an extension for--1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. Click on the "E-file your Tax Forms" link, complete the submission form and transmit your application.
- 5). Pay any or all of your tax due with a credit or debit card. You can also authorize an automatic withdrawal from your bank account. If mailing in your extension application, attach a check for the amount you're able to pay. If you owe a balance, the IRS will send you a bill. If you need a payment plan, go to the IRS website and click on "online payment agreement application" under "online services," or call 1-800-829-1040 to talk to an IRS agent about payment options.
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