The official name of the form is "Form 4868 tax extension: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Income Tax Return".

What Form 4868 tax extension does is automatically grant individuals a 6-month extension for filing their federal individual tax return. So, if you are not able to file your tax return by the due date (which for most Americans is April 15), filing Form 4868 gives you an extra six months to file your taxes.

In addition to individuals,IRS Form 4868 tax extension can also be used by 1099 contractors, single member LLCs and Schedule C Sole Proprietors.

Although Form 4868 tax extension gives you an extra 6 months to file your paperwork, it does not extend the time for payment of taxes owed.

Form 4868 can be sent electronically to the IRS through an approved eFile provider. One such IRS Form 4868 eFile provider is ExpressExtension.


Does Form 4868 tax extension give me more time to pay my taxes?
No. If you owe money at the deadline, you are still responsible for paying it. Failure to make a payment will result in interest owed and could also be subject to payment penalties.

what you owe to the IRS when you file Form 4868 tax extension?
No. The IRS only asks that you estimate how much you owe.

Does Form 4868 also extend time to file taxes for my business?
It depends on what type of business you own. If you are a single member LLC, a contractor, or a Schedule C Sole Proprietor, then IRS Form 4868 will extend your tax deadline. If you have a multi-member LLC or a corporation, then you need to e-file Form 7004 tax extension to extend your tax deadline. View More FAQs