File Form 4868 with ExpressExtension before April 15 to extend your 1040 deadline for up to 6 months
As ‘Tax Day’ on April 15, 2024, approaches, many taxpayers nationwide may find themselves needing extra time to sort through their financial affairs. If you’re among those seeking an efficient solution, look no further than ExpressExtension, a trusted e-filing provider offering IRS tax extensions with speed and reliability.
In this blog we will provide you with the information you need to complete Form 4868, the IRS tax extension for personal tax returns (Form 1040). We’re giving you an easy overview and breaking the process down into bite-size steps!
What is Form 4868?
Form 4868 is an IRS tax extension form that is specific to personal tax filings. You can file a Form 4868 to extend the filing deadline of the following forms:
- Form 1040
- Form 1040-SR
- Form 1040-NR
- Form 1040-PR
- Form 1040-SS
When filed accurately on or before the IRS deadline for the forms above, taxpayers can get an automatic extension of up to 6 months. This can extend this year’s deadline for Form 1040 as far out as October 15, 2024.
A Lifesaver for Time-Pressed Taxpayers
For individuals and tax professionals alike, obtaining an extension for personal tax returns is a pragmatic choice when faced with time constraints. Despite common misconceptions about extension filings, it’s crucial to dispel the myth that doing so incurs penalties from the IRS.
How to Complete Form 4868
Now that we’ve covered the essential information about Form 4868, let’s discuss how to fill it out line by line.
Form 4868 consists of nine lines. On the first line, enter your legal name and address exactly as it appears on record with the IRS. If your address has changed, file Form 8822 for address updates; updating it on the extension form alone is insufficient.
On line 2, input your social security number. If you’re filing a joint return, note that the social security number entered here will be listed first on your return.
For joint filers, enter your spouse’s social security number on line 3.
Line 4 requires your total tax liability for tax year 2020. If you expect no tax payment, enter zero.
Estimate the total payments made to the IRS on line 5 of Form 4868.
Subtract line 5 from line 4 and record the total on line 6; this is your balance due to the IRS.
On line 7, specify the amount you intend to pay the IRS when submitting your extension. The IRS recommends paying as much as possible, ideally the full amount due.
Line 8 only applies to filers residing outside the United States at the deadline. U.S. citizens abroad are granted an additional two months to file. Refer to the IRS instructions for Form 4868 for more details on taxpayers residing abroad. If this pertains to you, check the box.
Line 9 pertains to individuals filing Form 1040-NR who didn’t receive wages subject to income taxes.
As you can see, as long as you have this information handy, you can complete this in minutes!
E-File Form 4868 in Minutes with ExpressExtension!
With ExpressExtension, you can expect a fast and easy filing process. Our software guides you through each step. Need to make an estimated tax payment? You can easily and securely do so using Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.
What if your Form 4868 is rejected by the IRS? ExpressExtension has you covered. We’ll provide you with an error code to indicate the filing error, and allow you to retransmit your form at no additional charge.
There you have it – a last-minute solution for your personal income taxes! File your extension today with ExpressExtension!
