Need more time to prepare your federal tax return? This page provides information on how to apply for an extension of time to file.
Please be aware that an extension of time to file your return does not grant you any extension of time to pay your tax liability.
Extensions for Individuals
If you are not able to file your federal individual income tax return by the due date, you may be able to get an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. To do so, you must file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Income Tax Return (51K) Adobe PDF, by the due date for filing your calendar year return (usually April 15) or fiscal year return. This form is also available en espaņol.
Special rules may apply if you are:
- living outside the United States
- out of the country when your 6-month extension expires, or
- serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area.
You can also go to Filing Information in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (HTML page), for more information regarding the rules for automatic extensions and filing federal individual income tax returns.
Extensions for Corporations, Partnerships, REMICs, and Certain Trusts
- Form 7004, Application for Automatic 6-Month Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns (66K) Adobe PDF
- Form 1138, Extension of Time for Payment of Taxes by a Corporation Expecting a Net Operating Loss Carryback (27K) Adobe PDF
Other Extension Forms
- Form 2350 Application for Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (For U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad Who Expect To Qualify for Special Tax Treatment) (42K) Adobe PDF
- Form 4768 Application for Extension of Time to File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Taxes (32K) Adobe PDF
- Form 5558 Application for Extension of Time to File Certain Employee Plan Returns (32K) Adobe PDF
- Form 8809 Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns (32K) Adobe PDF
Page last updated or reviewed 13-NOV-2006
