Form 4868 for Married Filing Jointly

How to fill it out together

• Line 1: both names, in the order they'll appear on the joint return, and your shared address.
• Line 2: the SSN that will be shown first on your return.
• Line 3: the other spouse's SSN.
• Lines 4 to 7: your combined estimate of total tax, combined payments (both W-2s' withholding and any estimated payments), the balance, and what you're paying.
• Line 8: check it if you're out of the country on the due date and qualify.

If either of you doesn't have an SSN or ITIN, write "ITIN TO BE REQUESTED" on that line. Changed your name when you married? Report it to the Social Security Administration before you file, or processing can be delayed.

Filing separately

If you'll file separate returns (married filing separately), each spouse files their own Form 4868 with their own name, SSN and estimate. Leave line 3 blank.

If your plans change

Form 4868 says how to handle the payment if you switch:

• Joint Form 4868, then separate returns: either of you can claim the whole payment on your separate return, or you can divide it in any amounts you agree on.
• Two separate Forms 4868, then a joint return: enter the total paid with both forms on the joint return.

Either way, the payment goes on Schedule 3, line 10.

Paying as your extension

A couple who owes can pay online and mark it as an extension instead of filing Form 4868, using the information for the joint return. How.

Questions people ask

Do we need two forms if only one of us has income?

No. A joint return uses one Form 4868 with both names and both SSNs, whoever earned the income.

One of us lives abroad. Does line 8 apply?

Line 8 is for being out of the country on the due date as defined on the form. If that's unclear for your household, read Publication 54 or ask a tax professional.

Can we file jointly if we extended separately?

Yes. Add the payments from both forms on the joint return.