6-Month Filing Extension: The IRS has issued a final reminder for all taxpayers: if you haven’t filed your 2024 federal income tax return, the deadline to request a 6-month extension is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. This simple step gives you until October 15, 2025, to file your return — but don’t confuse this with a payment delay. Any taxes owed are still due on April 15.
Whether you’re an individual filer, a small business owner, or someone living abroad, understanding the extension process is essential to avoid unnecessary penalties. Let’s break it all down for you in a way that’s both easy and actionable.
6-Month Filing Extension
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline to file extension | April 15, 2025 |
| Extension period | 6 months (until October 15, 2025) |
| Form required | Form 4868 |
| Applies to | Individuals, self-employed, certain expats, and disaster victims |
| Still need to pay taxes by | April 15, 2025 (even if filing is extended) |
| Penalty for not filing | 5% per month (up to 25%) |
| IRS official site | irs.gov |
April 15 is just around the corner, and the IRS has made it crystal clear: this is your last chance to file for a six-month extension. Whether you’re still gathering paperwork or simply need a little more time, submitting Form 4868 can save you from hefty penalties.
Just remember: an extension gives you time, not payment relief. So file Form 4868 today, and if you owe taxes, pay up to stay in good standing with the IRS.
What Is a Tax Filing Extension?
A filing extension gives you extra time to submit your tax return — not extra time to pay your taxes. If you think you won’t be able to submit an accurate return by April 15, applying for an extension via Form 4868 can help avoid the 5% monthly failure-to-file penalty.
This is especially useful if:
- You have complicated deductions or credits to calculate
- You’re waiting on missing documents (like 1099s or K-1s)
- You’ve experienced unexpected life events (like moving, illness, or financial hardships)
6-Month Filing Extension: How to Apply for a 6-Month Filing Extension
You can apply for the extension quickly and for free in one of the following ways:
1. Electronically via IRS Free File
- Visit IRS Free File
- Use the guided tools to e-file Form 4868
2. Through Tax Software or a Tax Professional
Most commercial tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct offer extension filing tools. CPAs and tax professionals can also file Form 4868 on your behalf.
3. Mail a Paper Form 4868
- Download and print Form 4868 (PDF)
- Mail it to the appropriate IRS address based on your location
Tip: Postmark matters! Ensure your mail is postmarked by April 15, 2025.
4. Make an IRS Payment & Choose “Extension”
If you owe taxes and want to apply for an extension simultaneously, you can:
- Pay directly at IRS Direct Pay
- Select “Apply for extension” in the reason for payment
- That payment counts as an automatic request
Penalties for Late Filing vs. Late Payment
It’s important to distinguish the two:
Late Filing Penalty
- 5% per month on unpaid taxes
- Capped at 25% total
Late Payment Penalty
- 0.5% per month, plus daily interest
- Accumulates even if you file an extension
Reminder: An extension only protects you from the failure-to-file penalty — not the failure-to-pay fee.
Special Considerations: Expats and Disaster Victims
Americans Living Abroad
If you reside outside the U.S., you get an automatic 2-month extension until June 16, 2025. You can then request a 4-month additional extension to get to October 15.
More info: IRS guidelines for expats
Residents in FEMA-Declared Disaster Zones
If your area is declared a disaster zone by FEMA, your deadlines might already be extended. As of April 2025:
- Los Angeles County, CA: Extended to October 15
- Eastern KY & WV: Extended to November 3, 2025
Check full list: IRS disaster relief page
What If You Can’t Afford to Pay?
You can still file your return (or extension) and pay later through IRS payment plans:
Short-Term Payment Plan
- Up to 180 days to pay in full
- Available for balances under $100,000
Long-Term Installment Agreement
- Monthly payments
- For debts under $50,000
Apply here: IRS Payment Plan Application
Why You Should Act Now
Delaying taxes is easy. But the consequences — especially financially — can snowball fast. Filing for an extension only takes minutes, and it can save you from costly penalties and last-minute stress.
If you’re still waiting on documents or haven’t figured out deductions, take a deep breath and file for an extension before midnight on April 15. Just don’t forget to make your tax payment if you owe anything.
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FAQs on 6-Month Filing Extension
Q1: Can I get an extension to pay taxes too?
No, the IRS extension only delays your filing deadline, not your payment. You still need to pay what you owe by April 15, 2025.
Q2: Do I need to explain why I’m requesting an extension?
Nope! It’s an automatic extension — you don’t need to provide a reason.
Q3: What happens if I miss the extension deadline?
You could be hit with a 5% per month penalty, so it’s crucial to file either your return or an extension by April 15.
Q4: Is Form 4868 available in Spanish?
Yes. You can find it here in Spanish.
Q5: Can I still get a refund if I file after April 15?
Yes, as long as you file within three years of the original deadline, you can still claim a refund.
