Taxpayers: Remember, an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes
Taxpayers who cannot file their return before the deadline of April 15, 2024 must request an extension before of that deadline. Remember, however, that an extension of time to file a return No. It is an extension to pay taxes. If they owe taxes, they must pay them by the due date to avoid possible penalties and interest on the amount owed.
Taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17, 2024 to file their returns due to the Patriots Day holiday in those states.
Taxpayers who request a six-month extension to file their taxes have until October 15, 2024 to file their 2024 federal tax return.
Request an extension when paying a return with taxes owed
Taxpayers may choose to submit a electronic payment and select Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Personal Income Tax Return, or an Extension, as the payment type. The IRS will process it as an extension automatically and taxpayers will not need to file Form 4868.
Request a free extension to file a return with no taxes owed
Individual taxpayers, regardless of income, can request an automatic six-month tax filing extension in two ways:
- Use IRS Free File in IRS.gov/freefile.
- File Form 4868, Request for Automatic Extension to File United States Personal Income Tax Return
Taxpayers in FEMA disaster areas may have an automatic extension of time to file and pay
The IRS may offer an automatic extension to areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Taxpayers in affected areas do not need to file any extension paperwork and do not need to call the IRS to qualify for the extended time.
To check if an area has been offered tax relief, see Disaster relief.
U.S. citizens, foreign nationals residing abroad, and military members in combat zones may have more time to file and pay
The taxpayers living abroad (in English), including members of the military and the Eligible support personnel serving in combat zones, they may also have additional time to file their tax returns and pay any taxes owed.