Use one of the free or low cost online services listed below to file IRS Form 4868, which is used to request an extension for time to file your annual income tax return.
See How To File an Extension for dates and details for filing a federal extension, and remember that the application to extend the filing date for a state return is a separate procedure.
Cost: Free
Description: You can use the IRS Free File Fillable Forms to e-file your application for extension. Free File Fillable Forms is an online application with a form 4868 that you fill out and file with some minimal instruction, then e-file for free.
You also use the traditional IRS Free File service to prepare and file your Federal Extension with IRS. You have to qualify for Free File depending on the tax software provider you choose through the program.
Learn more about the IRS FreeFile program, and Free Fillable Forms.More »
Description: All of the best tax software has the ability to file for an extension, and most have the option to do so on the first screen you see each time you open desktop software or log in at online tax software. This is a great feature because it keep the record of your extension with all your other tax data.More »
Cost: free for personal extension.
Description: TurboTax Easy Extension will take you through completing and extension for your federal tax return. This online app features TaxCaster to help you estimate how much your refund will be or how much you will owe on your tax return.
Tips
Learn more about TurboTax tax software versions and features.More »
Cost: $19.95 for personal extension, $29.95 for business extension. Includes e-file.
Description: Walks you through completing IRS Form 4868 or Form 7004, depending on whether you need to file a personal or business tax extension. Lets you know if you need to file a state income tax extension as well, with state instructions and forms.
FileLater includes a calculator to help you determine if you will be owing taxes or if you can anticipate a refund. If you owe, you can pay directly from FileLater. Even if you file for an extension, you still have to pay estimated taxes.More »
See How To File an Extension for dates and details for filing a federal extension, and remember that the application to extend the filing date for a state return is a separate procedure.
1. Free Federal Extension at IRS.gov
Cost: Free
Description: You can use the IRS Free File Fillable Forms to e-file your application for extension. Free File Fillable Forms is an online application with a form 4868 that you fill out and file with some minimal instruction, then e-file for free.
You also use the traditional IRS Free File service to prepare and file your Federal Extension with IRS. You have to qualify for Free File depending on the tax software provider you choose through the program.
Learn more about the IRS FreeFile program, and Free Fillable Forms.More »
2. Use Your Tax Software
Cost: FreeDescription: All of the best tax software has the ability to file for an extension, and most have the option to do so on the first screen you see each time you open desktop software or log in at online tax software. This is a great feature because it keep the record of your extension with all your other tax data.More »
3. TurboTax Easy Extension
Cost: free for personal extension.
Description: TurboTax Easy Extension will take you through completing and extension for your federal tax return. This online app features TaxCaster to help you estimate how much your refund will be or how much you will owe on your tax return.
Tips
- If you already use TurboTax, you can prepare, print and mail IRS Form 4868 from the software at no cost before April 17, 2012.
- If you already have a TurboTax Online account, be sure to use that account to sign in to use Easy Extension. This will keep all your tax data together.
Learn more about TurboTax tax software versions and features.More »
4. FileLater
Cost: $19.95 for personal extension, $29.95 for business extension. Includes e-file.
Description: Walks you through completing IRS Form 4868 or Form 7004, depending on whether you need to file a personal or business tax extension. Lets you know if you need to file a state income tax extension as well, with state instructions and forms.
FileLater includes a calculator to help you determine if you will be owing taxes or if you can anticipate a refund. If you owe, you can pay directly from FileLater. Even if you file for an extension, you still have to pay estimated taxes.More »
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