How to File an IRS Tax Extension: IRS Tax Extension is a special advantage available to taxpayers. According to US Government Rules, all taxpayers must file their tax return by the mid of April month. All individuals and corporations are recommended to file their tax return by April 15, 2019. In case you are not able to file return by the due date then file an IRS Tax Extension Request.
The Internal Revenue Service allows you to e-file your tax return at free of cost. But you have to complete the return filing process within the given time limit. If you already know that you can’t file the tax return by due date (15th April 2019) then submit a request for tax extension. You can submit the IRS Tax Extension Request Online on IRS Website. You cannot file the tax return after due date if you haven’t requested for extension.
What is IRS Tax Extension?
IRS Tax Extension is an extra time period allowed to taxpayers to file their tax return after the last date.
IRS Tax Extension Period
When a taxpayer is not able to file his/her tax return, s/he submit request for IRS Tax Extension. The Internal Revenue Service provides the taxpayer more six months to file the tax return. The due date for filing IRS Tax Return is April 15, 2019 and the last date after six months extension is Mid of October 2019.
Tax Payment Deadline and Automatic IRS Tax Extension 2019
Every Taxpayer is eligible to request for IRS Tax Extension, but it does not apply in Tax Payment. For example: When you file your Tax Return, you also pay the applicable tax. The last date for filing tax return can be extended on taxpayer’s request, but the tax payment date remains the same. Therefore, you must pay an estimated tax amount by the due date i.e. April 15, 2019.
The Internal Revenue Service does not allows any extension in tax payment last date. If a taxpayer is not able to pay whole amount of tax at once, s/he can request IRS to allow for tax payment in installments. The taxpayer who have not paid the tax by due date, is liable for late fee and/or penalty on tax as per rules. When you choose to Pay Estimated Tax with Form 4868, you will get Automatic Extension in Filing Tax Return.
Due Date to Submit IRS Tax Extension Request
The Last Date for Filing Tax Return for current year is April 15, 2019 and it’s also the last date for tax extension request. If you wish to request for IRS Tax Extension then your request must be filed on IRS Website on or before the Midnight of 15th April 2019.
Methods to File IRS Tax Extension
The Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Treasury provides two methods to file an IRS Tax Extension Request i.e. Online e-File and Offline Filing. Now we will discuss both the methods to file IRS tax extension in detail.
01. How to File IRS Tax Extension Request Online (e-File)
In order to submit IRS Tax Extension Request Online, you need to choose one of the four options mentioned below:
IRS Free File
You should use the IRS Free File if your adjusted gross income is $66,000 or less. You can use the Free File Fillable Forms if you prepare your tax return by yourself.
Free Tax Return Preparation Site
You can also use the official tax return preparation sites i.e. IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE).
Commercial Software
There are several Commercial Software which are helpful to prepare and file your tax return. Your tax returns on such software are transmitted through IRS approved electronic channels.
Authorized e-File Provider
You can hire an authorized e-file provider to file your IRS Tax Return. These e-file providers are qualified to prepare your tax return and submit the same to concerned authority.
Steps to File IRS Tax Extension Request Online:
Kindly follow the simple steps given below to e-file your IRS Tax Extension Request:
- Log on to IRS Official Website.
- Find and Select “File” option.
- Select IRS Tax Extension Request to proceed.
- Choose your Taxpayer type as Individual or Business as applicable.
- Fill up the Online IRS Tax Extension Form with necessary information.
- Submit the Form Online and Pay the Estimated Tax by your desired payment mode.
02. How to File IRS Tax Extension Request Offline (mail)
The taxpayers can apply for IRS Tax Extension via offline process. In this method, you have to download and print the Tax Extension Form. Thereafter you should mail the form to the address of Internal Revenue Service of your State.
IRS Tax Extension Forms based on Filing Status
Internal Revenue Service has designed various tax extension forms for different filing statuses of taxpayers. Here we provide the list of all filing status and concerned tax extension forms as under:
| Tax Return Filing Status | Concerned Tax Form and Taxpayer | |
| Individuals | Form 4868 | For U.S. Individual Income Tax Return Extension. |
| Business and Corporations | Form 7004
|
For Certain Business Income Tax Return Extension. |
| Form 1138 | For Corporation expecting Net Operating Loss Carryback. | |
| Other Status | Form 2350 | For U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad Who Expect to Qualify for Special Tax Treatment. |
| Form 4768 | For U.S. Estate and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes. | |
| Form 5558 | For Certain Employee Plan Returns. | |
| Form 8809 | For Information Returns. | |
| Form 8868 | For an Exempt Organization Return. | |
| Form 8892 | For Form 709 and Payment of Gift/Generation Skipping Transfer Tax. | |
After filling the above mentioned form, you should mail the form to Internal Revenue Service Address. You can find your State IRS Mailing Address from below link.
Click Here to View Mailing Address List for Offline IRS Tax Extension
Automatic Extension to Special Taxpayers
Some special taxpayers are eligible to get automatic extension in filing IRS Tax Returns.
Overseas Taxpayers:
The U.S. Citizen and Resident who lives outside United States can file IRS Tax Return on or before the two months after the due date for general taxpayers.
Military Members:
The U.S. Citizens who work in Military (Army) Service, are eligible to get extension in tax filing on the basis of their post and location.
Natural Disaster Affected
Taxpayers who are affected by a natural disaster are eligible to get automatic extension in filing their tax return. You can check the Qualifying Disasters List here to see your eligible IRS tax extension period.
Thus, you can get extension in filing tax return by online or offline request to U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
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