Form 4868 Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

NOTE: If the taxpayer is due a refund, there is NO need for an extension. They have 3 years to file the return in order to receive payment.

• Taxpayers should file form 4868 if they will have a balance due and do not have all the required paperwork to complete their tax return
• Form 4868 doesn’t extend the time to pay taxes. If your taxpayer doesn’t pay the amount due by the regular due date, they’ll owe interest. They may also be charged penalties.

Follow the instructions below to correctly complete Form 4868:

1. Enter all information on the Client Data Page and all tax forms that you currently have.

2. Clear Verify messages as you are able. In the case of extension there may be Verify messages you are unable to clear with the current information.

3. Select Add Form.

4. Begin by typing 4868, into the search bar at the bottom of the All Forms and Schedules Menu.

5. Select Form 4868. Double-click to add the form.

6. If the taxpayer would like to make a payment with their extension enter the amount of the payment in Line 7.

7. Enter Debit Account Information or transfer information from the Client Data Page.

8. Take any payments needed for the extension. For help taking a payment view our Taking A Payment In The Tax Software Article.

9. Queue the return. You may have several Verify messages. Next past these if you are unable to clear them with the current information the tax customer has.

10. Check the box next to Queue Federal Extension, and select Queue.

11. Transmit to Central Site.

12. Reference the Information Status Page to ensure the extension was Accepted. If rejected, taxpayers have up to 5 days to fix their rejected extension, or paper file their return. In most cases taxpayers who file a federal extension will automatically receive a state extension. 

When Are Returns Due For Taxpayers Who Filed Extensions?

Returns with federal extensions are typically due on October 15th. In tax years where the due date falls on a weekend the due date will be extended. Taxpayers who are in federally declared disaster areas, or actively deployed members of the military, may have additional extensions.