IRS Form 4868

Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension (Individuals)

A plain-English guide to IRS Form 4868 — what it's for, who files it, when it's due, and how to complete it.

Form number4868
Official nameApplication for Automatic Extension (Individuals)
CategoryIndividual
Typically dueApril 15
Official IRS Form 4868 (PDF)

What is Form 4868?

Form 4868 gives individuals an automatic six-month extension to file their return — moving the deadline to mid-October. It does not extend the time to pay.

Form 4868 is automatic — file it by the April deadline and you get until mid-October, no explanation needed. The catch that costs people money: it extends the time to file, not the time to pay. You're expected to estimate your balance and pay it in April.

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Who files it

Any individual who needs more time to file Form 1040.

When it's due

Form 4868 is generally due April 15. Deadlines can move for weekends and holidays, so confirm the exact date for the current year on IRS.gov.

Key lines and parts

Here's what you'll actually fill in on Form 4868:

  • Estimate of total tax liability
  • Total payments already made
  • Balance due
  • Amount you're paying with the extension

How to file

File by the April deadline and pay your estimated balance to avoid interest and penalties. The extension only buys time to file the paperwork.

Common mistakes & penalties

The expensive misunderstanding is treating an extension as permission to pay late. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% a month, ten times the failure-to-pay penalty, so always file (or extend) on time even if you can only pay part of what you owe.
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Frequently asked questions

What is IRS Form 4868?

Form 4868 gives individuals an automatic six-month extension to file their return — moving the deadline to mid-October. It does not extend the time to pay.

Who has to file Form 4868?

Any individual who needs more time to file Form 1040.

When is Form 4868 due?

Form 4868 is generally due April 15. Always confirm the current year's date on IRS.gov, since deadlines shift for weekends and holidays.

What's the most common mistake with Form 4868?

The expensive misunderstanding is treating an extension as permission to pay late. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% a month, ten times the failure-to-pay penalty, so always file (or extend) on time even if you can only pay part of what you owe.