Tax Return Extension 2023 - 2024

Tax season calls to duty our effort to prepare and file a tax return. The IRS puts a deadline on the time frame we have to produce the documents required to identify our taxable income.

An Income Tax Extension can put that deadline to bed for six more months, giving taxpayers a little more breathing room to set time aside for tax preparation.

Tax filing is never fun when Uncle Sam is breathing down the back of your neck and whispering in your ear that you are running out of time.

How To File A Tax Return Extension

My annual habit during the tax season is to slow down and ease up on the timeline pressures by filing for a tax return extension. This keeps me from getting stressed out by deadlines that I'm not always sure I'm going to be able to meet, and no doubt most likely won't.

A tax extension is a super easy form to file, and even easier to get. Fact is you are almost guaranteed that the IRS will grant your tax return extension.

Tax Extension Myths That Don't Add Up!

1: It's hard to get a tax return extension from the IRS.

Fact: The IRS doesn't really care if you file for a tax extension, and and they are almost always granted. The IRS automatically grants a 6 month extension to anyone who fills out the form correctly. They don't even ask why you want one.

2. Tax return extensions are complicated to fill out by myself.

Fact: Tax extensions are extremely easy to fill out and complete online in minutes all by yourself. Anyone can easily prepare the proper tax extension (IRS Form 4868 for individuals and IRS Form 7004 for businesses) on their computer and efile it with the IRS electronically. You then receive confirmation from the IRS.

3: You’re more likely to get audited if you filed a tax return extension.

Fact: There has never been any evidence in studies that show a correlation between tax extensions and getting audited. Generally, less than 1 percent of tax returns are audited for incomes under $200,000.

Extend Your Tax Filing Deadline Until Oct. 15 4: I can wait to pay my taxes once my tax extension has been approved.

Fact: You will pay dearly if you don't pay your taxes on time. Filing an extension gives you more time to file your return, not to pay any amount you still owe. Any taxes owed are still due by April 15. Penalty and interest charges apply when you don't file on time, and when you don't pay on time. Pay your taxes by April 15!

5: Once I get my extension I have to wait until October 15 to file my return.

Fact: You can file your tax return anytime before the new extended due date of Oct. 15. File whenever you're ready, April 16 thru October 15.

6: Tax return extensions are rare and generally don't get used by taxpayers.

Fact: More than 10 million taxpayers file a tax return extension every year! Plus, most State governments will automatically grant a state tax extension if you already have an approved Federal tax return extension.

Easily file your federal tax return extension in minutes

Option 1: It's fast and easy to extend your tax return filing deadline online:

Press the button here and fill out the extension form in just a few minutes.
Submit your tax return extension form by efile to the IRS for quick acceptance.
Receive a notification from the IRS when your extension has been accepted.
Print a copy of your e-filed tax return extension.
Pay any taxes due directly from your checking or savings account.
Receive notice from the IRS that your extension has been granted.

Option 2: Print, prepare, and mail your IRS tax return extension form:

You can choose the snail mail method by using the U.S. postal service and mail your tax return extension form directly to the IRS. IRS Form 4868: (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) can be prepared and sent to the IRS submittal address for your state.

Extension Form 4868 Mailing Addresses for Taxpayers

If you live in...	Enclosing a payment	NOT enclosing payment
Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia	Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 931300 Louisville, KY 40293-1300	Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Kansas City, MO 64999-0045
Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas	Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 1302 Charlotte, NC 28201-1302	Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0045
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming	Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 7122 San Francisco, CA 94120-7122	Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Fresno, CA 93888-0045
Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin	Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802503 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503	Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Fresno, CA 93888-0045
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia	Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 37009 Hartford, CT 06176-7009	Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Kansas City, MO 64999-0045

Include your estimated payment with tax return extension Form 4868 and mail it—postmarked by April 15 to avoid any penalties or interest charges. Then prepare and file your tax return on or before October 15