How to File Your Taxes After an Extension
Finalize your tax return after an extension. This guide explains how to properly account for your estimated payment and complete the final steps with the IRS.
Filing a tax extension provides additional time to submit your return to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but it does not extend the deadline for paying any taxes you owe. Requesting an extension using Form 4868 pushes the filing due date to October 15, giving you sufficient time to gather information for an accurate return.
Gathering Your Final Tax Information
Finalizing your tax return requires compiling all relevant financial documents from the year. This includes standard income forms such as W-2s from employers and various 1099 forms, like the 1099-NEC for nonemployee compensation, 1099-INT for interest income, or 1099-DIV for dividends. You will also need records for any deductions or credits you plan to claim, which could involve receipts for charitable donations, medical expenses, or records of business-related costs.
A specific piece of information needed is the exact amount of the estimated tax payment you made when you requested the extension. This estimated payment is reported on Schedule 3 (Form 1040), on the line titled “Amount paid with request for extension to file.” This is a distinct entry from any quarterly estimated tax payments you may have made during the year.
Submitting Your Completed Tax Return
Once your Form 1040 and all associated schedules are complete, you must submit them to the IRS. The most common method is electronic filing, or e-filing. Using tax preparation software or a tax professional, your return is transmitted directly to the IRS.
Alternatively, you can file a paper return by mail. This involves printing your completed Form 1040 and all accompanying schedules. It is important to mail your return to the correct address, which varies by state and is listed on the IRS website.
After you have submitted your return, you should watch for confirmation. For e-filed returns, you will typically receive an email notification within 48 hours confirming that the IRS has accepted your return for processing. If you file by mail, you will not receive a similar confirmation; the processing of your return will simply proceed in the order it was received. Keeping a copy of the mailed return and proof of mailing is recommended for your records.
Handling Your Tax Payment
The final step is settling your tax account with the IRS. Your total tax liability is calculated on your Form 1040. From this total, you subtract the estimated tax payment made with your extension, along with any other federal income tax withheld.
If you owe additional taxes, the IRS offers several payment methods. You can use IRS Direct Pay to authorize a direct debit from a bank account for free. Other options include paying with a debit card, credit card, or a digital wallet, though these methods are processed by third-party payment processors that typically charge a fee. For those who filed by mail, you can include a check or money order made payable to the “U.S. Treasury” with your tax return.
Should you find that you cannot pay the full amount of tax you owe, the IRS provides payment solutions. The Online Payment Agreement (OPA) tool on the IRS website allows you to set up a short-term payment plan or a longer-term installment agreement, depending on the amount owed.