How to Extend the Tax Deadline in 2025: A No-Stress Guide to IRS Tax Extensions

Tax Day (April 15, 2026) sneaks up fast. This guide shows you how to extend the tax deadline, step by step, in plain English, to avoid last-minute stress.

If you’re sweating about finishing your individual income tax return, don’t. You can get an automatic 6-month extension to file your 2025 federal income tax return by submitting Form 4868 by April 15, 2026. Filing a tax extension only gives you more time to finish the paperwork, not more time to fulfill your tax payment.

What a Tax Extension Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

A federal extension gives you more time to file your return, but not more time to pay what you owe.

Suppose you file Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) before the original filing deadline (April 15, 2026, for calendar year filers). In that case, you automatically get until October 15, 2026 (or the next business day if that date is a legal holiday). Form 4868 lets you request a 6-month extension to file your federal return. With FileTax.com, you can file your extension electronically or print and mail your return.

📌 Key takeaway: You must still estimate your tax liability and pay what you owe by the April deadline to avoid interest and penalty charges.

Who Should Consider Filing a Tax Extension?

A federal extension is a great option if you:

• Are missing tax documents (like a corrected W-2, 1099, or K-1).
• Had a major life event — like a big move, illness, or a family emergency.
• Need more time to verify deductions and credits before submitting.
• Want to avoid rushing and making costly mistakes.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you expect a refund, you can file for an extension. However, the IRS won't issue your refund until you file your tax return. Speaking of refunds, the IRS recommends using direct deposit to receive refunds faster.

How to Extend Tax Deadline in 5 Easy Steps

Extending your filing deadline isn’t complicated; you need to follow the right steps. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to file electronically or by mail, estimate your tax liability, and get your extension to file locked in before the IRS closes the window.

1. Get the Right Tax Extension Form

Download it from IRS.gov or use an approved e-filing service.

• Form 4868 works for most individual tax returns.
• Form 7004 for Corporations and other business returns.

2. Choose Your Filing Method

You can:

• File Form 4868 electronically using tax software or through a tax professional
• Mail a paper form to the correct IRS address

3. Estimate Your Tax Liability

To qualify for an extension, you must make a reasonable estimate of your 2025 tax liability and enter it on Form 4868.

• Start with last year’s federal return. Use it as a baseline if your income and deductions are similar.
• Add up this year’s income. Include wages, self-employment earnings, business profits, and other taxable income.
• Factor in adjustments and credits. Don’t forget common deductions (like the standard deduction) and tax credits (like the Child Tax Credit or education credits) to lower your estimate.
• Use tax tools. An income tax calculator can help approximate your liability if you don't have exact numbers.

📌 Next step: Once you have your estimate, subtract any federal tax already withheld or paid through estimated payments. The result is your balance due, which you should pay as much of as possible with your extension request to reduce interest and penalties.

4. Pay What You Owe

Pay as much as you can by April 15. Even partial payment reduces penalties and interest. If you can’t pay in full, you can apply for a payment plan at IRS.gov/payments.

• Pay through the IRS.gov payment portal, direct debit from your bank account, or mail a check.
• File late and owe money? The IRS will tack on interest and penalties until you’re squared away.
• Can’t pay in full? Pay as much as possible — the IRS offers payment plans.

5. Mark Your New Filing Deadline

• For most calendar year filers, your new due date is October 15, 2026.
• If that day’s a weekend or legal holiday, you get until the next business day.

Each month you delay filing, the IRS adds a failure-to-file penalty, and the charges keep stacking until your return is submitted and your balance is paid.

Special Rules You Might Not Know

Some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay. For example:

• Service members in a combat zone usually get 180 days from the last day they are in a combat zone or are hospitalized, plus additional days depending on when they entered the combat zone.
• Certain U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad may qualify for an automatic 2-month extension (until June 15) if, on the due date, either (1) their main place of business or post of duty is outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, or (2) they are in military/naval service on duty outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Interest still accrues from April 15.
• Disaster-area taxpayers may qualify for special relief announced by the IRS.

While most taxpayers get a standard 6-month extension, certain groups qualify for special tax extension rules. Here’s how extra time works for service members, overseas filers, and disaster-area taxpayers:

Learn more about Special Tax Extension Cases

Tax Extension Myths vs. Facts

Many people skip filing an extension because of bad information floating around. From fears about increased audit risk to the idea that you can “pay later,” we’re busting the most common myths about IRS tax extensions so you can make decisions based on facts, not rumors.

Myth: Filing an extension increases audit risk for the tax year.

Myth: An extension means you can pay later.

Myth: You need a reason to file an extension.

Should You File a Tax Extension? Pros and Cons

Like most things, filing a federal extension has perks and pitfalls. Before you decide, consider the pros and cons to weigh the extra time against any trade-offs, like delayed refunds or the temptation to procrastinate.

State Tax Extensions (Don’t Forget These)

Some states accept a federal extension for filing, but others require a separate state-specific extension form or payment. Check with your state tax agency. Also, check for payroll taxes or business returns that have separate rules.

Quick “Should I Extend?” Checklist

✅ You can estimate your tax liability by April 15.

Final Word (and Why FileTax.com Makes It Effortless)

Let’s be real, Tax Day can be a pain. But with the right information about tax extensions, you can avoid the last-minute scramble and stay compliant. Just remember: filing a tax extension gives you more time to file your return, not more time to pay your tax bill.

At FileTax.com, we make the extension request process painless. You can file electronically, calculate your tax liability, and submit everything from your couch in minutes.

We’ve helped over a million taxpayers get their automatic extension accepted by the IRS. Whether you’re expecting a refund, owe tax, or want more time to get things right, we’ve got you.

👉 Skip the scramble — File your tax extension today and enjoy instant peace of mind.