How to request an extension to file your tax return from the IRS
There are only a few days left before the deadline to file your tax return. If you think you won’t make the date, you can request an extension from the IRS.
The 2024 tax season deadline is approaching. The Internal Revenue Service has been receiving and processing returns for the 2023 tax year, but only until next week.
The deadline to file returns and pay taxes, also known as Tax Day, is April 15. Due to the Patriot Day and Emancipation Day holidays, residents of Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17 to fulfill their tax fiscal obligations.
If you no longer have time to gather your tax documents and file your return, you can request a half-year extension to do so.
How to request an extension to file your tax return from the IRS
Taxpayers who require more time to file their taxes can request an extension until October 15 so as to avoid fines for late filing.
This extension can be requested through the IRS Free File tool or by submitting Form 4868 before April 15. The IRS also grants automatic extensions for federally declared disaster areas. You can check who has the automatic extension by state on their website.
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An extension, if granted, only provides additional time for filing the tax return. It does not give an extension for the payment of filers’ tax debts.
Payment of taxes must be made on or before April 15. If they do not do so, taxpayers face fines, penalties, and interest.
Although the recommendation is to file the return and pay taxes as soon as possible, the penalty for not filing the return is much greater than the penalties for non-payment of taxes, so filing is essential.