How to File an Extended Income Tax Return
The Internal Revenue Service allows you to file an extended income-tax return provided that you have applied for an extension and paid the estimated amount of taxes on or before the April 15 deadline. Both the extension form and the extended income-tax returns can be filed by snail mail or electronically. Extended income-tax returns are due Oct. 15 of the year in which they were due.
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Things You'll Need
- Form 4868 for individual taxes and 1040 forms for individuals
- Income Tax Software (optional)
Instructions
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Filing Online
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Fill out the required information on IRS form 4868 to extend the filing due date of your federal income taxes. This can be done at the IRS website.
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2
Determine if you are going to have to pay additional income tax for the year. Enter your credit- or debit-card information into the form available at the IRS.gov website to pay the estimated taxes.
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3
Fill out the proper 1040 form for your income taxes and submit these electronically no later than Oct. 15 of the year they are due.
Mailing Your Forms
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4
Download a PDF copy of Form 4868 from the IRS website. Alternatively, you can pick up this form from the Post Office, public library or other locations that have tax forms available.
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5
Fill out the form and write a check for any taxes you may owe for the filing year.
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Mail the form, along with the check, to the Internal Revenue Service. Be sure that the postmark on the envelope is April 15 or earlier. The proper address to use for your location will be listed with the extension instructions that came with the form.
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Fill out the proper 1040 form for filing your personal income taxes and submit these documents to the IRS before Oct. 15 of the filing year.
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Tips & Warnings
Even if you file to extend the amount of time to complete your 1040 forms, the IRS still expects any money owed to them to be paid by April 15. After that date, penalties and interest will be charged on outstanding balances. Corporations can also file for an extension, but Form 7004 must be used. If you use tax-preparation software, the program should be able to print and file the forms you need to do an extended income-tax return.
