E-File Form 4868 to Get a
6-month
Automatic Extension for 1040
Don’t Stress Over Deadlines

Individuals who need additional time to file their personal income tax returns can file Form 4868 to request an automatic 6-month extension. This form extends only the filing deadline, and any tax dues must be paid on or before the
original deadline.

You can file Form 4868 to receive an automatic 6-month extension to file your federal income tax return. This extension applies only to filing your return—any taxes owed must still be paid by the original due date.

Form 4868 is used to extend the filing deadline for personal income tax returns, including:

• Form 1040 – U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
• Form 1040-SR – U.S. Tax Return for Seniors
• Form 1040-NR – U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Form 1040-PR – Self-Employment Tax Return (Puerto Rico)
• Form 1040-SS – Self-Employment Tax Return (U.S. Territories)

If your Form 4868 is rejected due to errors, the IRS allows a limited window known as the perfection period to correct and resubmit the form. This period lasts 5 days from the rejection date. To avoid penalties, you must fix the errors and resubmit the form within this timeframe.

• The penalty is eventually 5% of the amount due for each month or part of a month your 1040 return is late. The maximum penalty
  is 25%.
• To avoid late filing penalties, file Form 4868 online and extend the deadline for up to 6 months.

E-filing your Form 4868 offers several advantages over paper mailing of
Form 4868:

• Faster Processing: Receive instant confirmation from the IRS that your extension is approved.
• Paperless Filing: No need to print or mail forms.
• Easy Tracking: Check the status of your extension request at any time.
• Free Retransmission: If your extension is rejected, you can fix the errors and retransmit it at no additional cost.