How to File Form 4868 For Automatic Extension of Income Tax Return Filing Time

Completing Form 1040 to fill out Form 4868

It is possible to get an extension of up to six months to file your U.S. federal income tax return by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form can be filed either electronically using a personal computer with tax software or through the mail in paper form. The electronic filing method is described in the instructions for Form 4868, which are on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website. Some people may prefer the paper filing method, which doesn't involve a fee or the cost to buy tax software.

Things You'll Need

• Form 1040 (optional)
• Copy of previous year's tax return (required for electronic filing method)

Instructions

1. Download and save the PDF version of Form 4868 from the IRS website. It is linked in the References section.

2. Estimate your tax liability using IRS Form 1040--U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This is optional and should be done if you think you owe federal taxes.

3. Enter your name, address and Social Security Number in Part I of Form 4868. If you file a joint return, include your spouse's details, too.

4. Enter your total tax liability for the tax year on Line 4, Part II, of Form 4868. This is the same amount on Line 60 of Form 1040. If you do not have tax liability, enter "0" (zero).

5. Enter the total amount of payments you expect to report on Line 5, Part II, of Form 4868. This is the amount from Line 71 of Form 1040.

6. Complete Line 6 of Form 4868. Enter "0" (zero) on Line 6 if the amount on Line 5 is greater than that on Line 4 of Form 4868. Otherwise, enter the amount resulting from subtraction of Line 5's amount from Line 4's amount.

7. Enter the amount you wish to pay on Line 7 of Form 4868 out of the amount calculated on Line 6.

8. Check the box on Line 8 if you are out of the country. You can get an additional two months of extension time (maximum of six months) if you are out of the country.

9. Check the box on Line 9 if you did not receive wages as an employee subject to U.S. income tax withholding.

10. File Form 4868 by April 15 at one of the addresses mentioned in the form's instructions. Call one of the toll-free numbers listed in the instructions to make a payment using a credit or debit card. To make a check or money order payment, enclose the payment with Form 4868 payable to "United States Treasury." Write your Social Security number, phone number and "Form 4868" and the tax year on your check or money order. For example, write "2009 Form 4868" if you file an extension for the 2009 tax return.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a copy of the filed Form 4868 along with payment receipt if filed electronically or a copy of the check or money order used for payment.

• Do not attach a copy of Form 4868 to your income tax return Form 1040.

• A late penalty of up to 25 percent is applied if any estimated taxes are not paid by the regular due date.

References

• IRS.gov: Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (Form and Instructions)