Get a Tax Extension by Paying Online

Form needed

None

Cost

Free (card fees apply)

Pay by

April 15, 2027

Proof

Confirmation number

How it works

Form 4868 itself says it: you don't need to file Form 4868 if you make a payment using the IRS's electronic payment options and indicate it's for an extension. The extension is processed automatically when you pay part or all of your estimated income tax electronically. You get a confirmation number, which is your record.

With IRS Direct Pay

Direct Pay takes money straight from your checking or savings account. It's free and needs no sign-in.

1. Open Direct Pay on IRS.gov and choose to make a payment.
2. For "Reason for Payment," choose Extension. The "Apply Payment to" choice then starts with 4868, the extension form.
3. Choose the tax year you're extending. The payment is credited to that year.
4. Verify your identity with information from a past return, then enter your bank details and the amount.
5. Save the confirmation number. IRS Direct Pay help says to keep each one in case you need to change or cancel the payment.

You can schedule a Direct Pay payment up to 365 days ahead. The largest single payment Direct Pay takes is $9,999,999.99.

With your IRS online account

If you already have an IRS online account, you can pay from it and see the payment there afterward. Choose extension as the payment type, the same as in Direct Pay.

With a debit card, credit card or digital wallet

The IRS approves two card processors, Pay1040 and ACI Payments. They charge the fee, not the IRS. On IRS.gov as of October 2026:

Fees and limits change, so check the IRS card payment page before you pay. Your card statement shows "United States Treasury Tax Payment." Tell the processor the payment is for an extension (Form 4868) for the tax year you're extending.

With EFTPS

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System is free but needs enrollment before your first payment, so it suits people who already use it, for example for estimated taxes.

How much to pay

Pay the balance you expect: your estimated total tax minus what you've already paid through withholding and estimated payments. The IRS says to pay the entire estimated tax owed, or you could face a penalty. You can pay less and still get the extension, but interest and the late-payment penalty run on what's unpaid after April 15, 2027. How to estimate it.

When this route doesn't fit

• You owe nothing. There's nothing to pay, so file Form 4868 (mail it or e-file it) instead.
• You can't pay anything yet. File Form 4868 anyway, and pay as soon as you can.
• You'd rather pay by check. Then mail Form 4868 with the check to the payment address for your state. Where to mail it.

When you file your return

Report the payment on Schedule 3, line 10 of Form 1040, 1040-SR or 1040-NR (Form 1040-SS: Part I, line 9). File the return by October 15, 2027.

Questions people ask

Does a partial payment still get me the extension?

Yes. The extension is processed when you pay part or all of your estimated tax electronically and mark it as an extension. Unpaid tax still collects interest and penalties.

Can married couples do this together?

Yes, for a joint return. Use the information for the return you'll file together.

Will I get anything from the IRS?

You get a confirmation number when you pay. The IRS contacts you only if there's a problem.

Common mistakes

• Choosing the wrong reason or year. "Balance due" for last year isn't an extension for this year. Choose Extension and the year you're extending.
• Losing the confirmation number. It's your proof.
• Also mailing Form 4868. Not needed when the payment is marked as an extension.
• Paying with a card without checking the fee. On a large balance, a percentage fee adds up.