How do I know if my extension was approved?

Technically, the extension process outlined above is for an "automatic extension." It's a bit of a misnomer considering you have to file a form to get it. Assuming you filled out the form correctly, though, your extension should be approved. The IRS may not always get back to you to confirm. In some cases, the agency may only reach out to deny your extension and explain why.

Will a tax extension give me more time to pay my tax bill?

No. As mentioned above, completing Form 4868 only gives you six additional months to file your tax return. If you owe the IRS, you will need to make your payment by Tax Day. The upside: Making a payment will automatically give you a six-month extension to file your return. So if you owe, it's probably best to start with a payment.

Will the IRS charge me if I don't file my tax return on time?

If you're required to file your taxes and don't do so by the deadline (either by Tax Day or the extension deadline), the IRS may charge you an "information return" penalty between $50 and $280 depending on how late you filed. Additionally, the IRS may charge you a "failure to file" penalty if you filed late and missed your payment deadline.

Does the IRS tax extension affect my state income tax deadline?

The IRS tax extension form is for federal income taxes only and won't push your state's deadline back. Nine states collect no income taxes, so you won't have to worry about any extensions. Several additional states automatically give you a six-month postponement from the federal deadline — no action required. The remaining states, however, do require you file a state-level extension. Double check with your state's tax or revenue department for specific extension instructions.

Do I need to fill out a tax extension if I work abroad?

If you're living and working in another country, the IRS automatically gives you a two-month extension for filing your return. In those cases, you'd only need to submit Form 4868 if you need more time beyond those two extra months.

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Need More Time to File Your Taxes? Here's How to Get an IRS Extension for Free

Illustration of a IRS worker, looking over tax forms, who's face is the yellow light in a traffic light

Pete Ryan for Money

Need more time to file your taxes? Good news: It's surprisingly easy to ask the IRS for a later due date.

This year taxes are due Tuesday (that’s April 18) for most folks. Normally, Tax Day falls on April 15, but because of the weekend and Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in Washington, D.C., there’s still time to file and pay. Due to tornadoes, flooding and other natural disasters, some affected residents in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, New York and other states have additional time to file, as well.

But if you can’t meet the deadline, you’ll need to request a free tax extension from the IRS while you get your 2022 taxes in order. Here’s how.

Requesting a tax extension from the IRS

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Need More Time to File Your Taxes? Here's How to Get an IRS Extension for Free

Requesting a tax extension from the IRS

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