File for an Extension on Your Tax Return
Automatic Six-Month Extension
You are automatically granted a six-month extension to file your tax return. This means you have until October 16, 2023, to file your 2022 federal income tax return. However, this extension is only an extension to file, not to pay. You must still pay any taxes you owe by the original April 18 deadline. If you cannot pay your taxes by the deadline, you should contact the IRS to make payment arrangements.
Filing for an Extension
If you need more time to file your tax return, you can file for an extension using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You must file this form by the original April 18 deadline. You can file Form 4868 electronically or by mail.
When you file for an extension, you will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and the tax year for which you are requesting an extension. You will also need to estimate the amount of tax you owe. If you owe taxes, you should make an estimated tax payment with your extension request.
Penalties for Late Filing
If you file your tax return after the deadline, you may be subject to penalties and interest. The penalty for late filing is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. The penalty for late payment is 0.5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that your payment is late, up to a maximum of 25%.
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