Can You E-File a Tax Extension With the IRS?

Yes, you can e-file a tax extension with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This option is available to all individual taxpayers who need more time to prepare their federal tax returns. The electronic filing process is a secure and immediate way to request an extension, which eliminates the need for mailing paper forms and provides quick confirmation that your request has been received.

What a Tax Extension Accomplishes

Filing for an extension grants more time to submit your completed tax return. An approved extension for an individual tax return, filed via Form 4868, moves the filing deadline six months forward from April 15 to October 15. This provides additional time to gather documents and complete your tax forms without facing a failure-to-file penalty. The extension is automatic for most taxpayers, so you do not need to provide a reason for the request.

A tax extension does not, however, provide more time to pay any taxes you owe, as the payment deadline remains April 15. To avoid penalties and interest, you must estimate your tax liability and pay as much of it as possible by that date. If you fail to pay, the IRS will charge interest on the unpaid balance and may assess a failure-to-pay penalty.

This penalty is 0.5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month the taxes remain unpaid. The penalty is capped at 25% of the unpaid tax amount.

Information Required for E-Filing

To e-file an extension, you will need your full name, address, and Social Security number. If you are filing a joint return, you will also need your spouse’s full name and Social Security number.

You must also provide an estimate of your total tax liability for the year. To calculate this, use your prior year’s tax return as a baseline and adjust it for any changes in your financial situation. Review documents from the current tax year, like Form W-2 and Form 1099, to determine your total income and account for any tax payments already made.

This information is used to complete IRS Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The form requires you to report your estimated total tax liability, total payments already made, and the resulting balance due. This estimate is the basis for determining how much you should pay with your extension to avoid penalties.

Methods for E-Filing Your Extension

You have several options for e-filing your extension. You can use IRS Free File, which allows qualifying taxpayers to use guided tax software at no cost, and many of these services offer a free option just for filing Form 4868. You can also use commercial tax preparation software, which will guide you through filing an extension, often for a fee.

A tax professional can also file the extension on your behalf. If you work with an accountant or tax preparer, they can electronically submit Form 4868 for you using their professional e-file systems. This is an option if your tax situation is complex or you want assurance that the form is completed correctly.

You can also file an extension by making an electronic payment. If you estimate you owe taxes, you can use IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or pay by debit or credit card. When making the payment, indicate that it is for an extension, and the IRS will automatically process it as such, granting you an extension without filing a separate form.