Filing a 1040 Extension: How Form 4868 Gives You Extra Time to File Your Taxes

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As the clock ticks down to Tax Day on April 15, 2025, the pressure to get everything in order before the deadline is mounting for many taxpayers. But what if you need just a little more time to ensure your returns are perfect? No need to stress – Form 4868 is here to give you the breathing room you need. This handy form allows you to automatically extend your tax filing deadline, giving you six extra months to gather your documents, review your numbers, and file without the rush.

Let’s break down how this form works and how you can take advantage of it.

What is Form 4868? Your Key to More Time

Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is the IRS tax form used by taxpayers to request an automatic extension of time to file their individual income tax returns. By filing this form, you can extend your filing deadline by six months, typically moving the due date from April 15th to October 15th. 

Additionally, you won’t need to provide an explanation for requesting the extension. The IRS will only contact you if your extension request is denied.

How to Secure Your Extension?

To secure an extension on your personal tax filing, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Estimate Your Tax Liability: Use the information available to estimate your 2024 tax liability accurately.
2. Report Your Total Tax Liability: Enter your estimated tax amount in Form 4868.
3. File by the Original Deadline: Submit Form 4868 by the regular due date of your tax return.

Who Should File Form 4868?

If you need extra time to file your personal income tax returns, Form 4868 is here to help. Here’s who can take advantage of this extension:

• Individual Taxpayers – Whether you’re a U.S. resident or non-resident, who need more time to file your Form 1040 and related schedules.
• Sole Proprietors – Self-employed individuals who report your business income on your personal tax return. 
• Single-Member LLCs – Owning a business and filing taxes as a sole proprietor? You qualify for the extension since you report income on Form 1040.
• U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad—If you live outside the U.S., you already get a two-month extension automatically, but if you need more time, file Form 4868 for an additional four months.

IRS Tax Forms Covered by Form 4868

IRS Form 4868 grants an automatic extension for filing several key tax forms, giving you more time to complete their returns. This includes:

• Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return)
• Form 1040-SR (U.S. Income Tax Returns for Seniors)
• Form 1040-NR (U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return )
• Form 1040-SS (U.S. Self-Employment Tax Return (Including the Additional Child Tax Credit for Bona Fide Residents of Puerto Rico)

Information Checklist to File Form 4868

Completing the IRS Form 4868 is simple as it doesn’t require a lot of information. This includes:

Part I – Identification:

•  Enter your name, address, and SSN (or EIN for estates/trusts)

Part II – Individual Income Tax Details:

• Estimate of total tax liability
• Estimate of total payments
• Balance due
• The amount you’re paying to reduce future penalties

Don’t forget to check the “OUT OF THE COUNTRY” box if you’re abroad when the return is due.

Deadline for Filing Form 4868

The deadline to file personal tax extension Form 4868 is the same as the deadline for the tax return for which you request an extension.  For the 2024 tax year, the deadline to file Form 4868 is April 15, 2025.

Penalties Associated With Form 4868

If you miss the deadline for filing or paying your taxes or haven’t submitted an extension Form 4868, you could face penalties:

• Late Payment Penalty:
  • If you don’t pay the tax due by the deadline, a penalty of 0.5% per month on the unpaid tax is charged, up to a maximum of 25%. However, this penalty may be waived if you can show reasonable cause for the delay. 
  • To avoid the late payment penalty while using an automatic extension, ensure that at least 90% of your total tax is paid by the original due date through withholding, estimated tax payments, or payments made with Form 4868.
  • Settle the remaining balance when you file your return to avoid the penalty.
• Late Filing Penalty:
  •  If you don’t file by the deadline, the penalty is 5% of the unpaid taxes, up to a maximum penalty of 25%.
  • If your return is more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty is $510  or the tax balance due on your return. However, you may not owe the penalty if you have a reasonable explanation for filing late.

Don’t Let Tax Season Stress You Out – E-file Form 4868 Today with ExpressExtension!

Why stress about last-minute filings when you can file Form 4868 easily and securely? The IRS recommends e-filing for a faster and more efficient process, and ExpressExtension is your trusted e-filing partner.

ExpressExtension is an IRS-authorized, SOC-2-certified e-filing service that makes submitting your extension request easy. We offer a secure and efficient solution for individuals and sole proprietors to e-file Form 4868. Our platform makes the process easy, fast, and accurate, with expert support every step of the way. With our intuitive interface and AI-powered chatbot, you’ll breeze through the filing process—without the last-minute chaos.

E-file your Form 4868 today with ExpressExtension and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your extension is filed on time!