How to File Form 4868, Step by Step

Before you start

• Last year's return. It's the best starting point for this year's estimate, and e-filing uses it to verify you.
• This year's W-2s, 1099s and estimated payment records, as many as you have.
• Social Security numbers or ITINs for you and, if you'll file jointly, your spouse.
• The right year's form. Form 4868 is dated by tax year. Use the form for the year you're extending; our tool uses the right one and opens for each season's returns when the IRS posts that year's form.

Step 1: Decide who's filing

One Form 4868 covers a married couple filing jointly. If you'll file separately, each spouse files their own. Nonresident aliens file Form 4868 for Form 1040-NR, and self-employed people in U.S. territories for Form 1040-SS. Businesses that file their own return use Form 7004 instead. Form 4868 vs Form 7004.

Step 2: Name and address (line 1)

Write your name, or both names in the order they'll appear on your joint return, and your address. Use an address where the IRS can reach you; if an agent is handling things, the form lets you put the agent's name (as well as your own) and address.

Changed your name since your last return? Report it to the Social Security Administration before you file, or processing can be delayed. Moved? A new address on Form 4868 doesn't update your IRS record; Form 8822 does.

Step 3: Social Security numbers (lines 2 and 3)

Line 2 is the SSN that will be shown first on your return, and line 3 the other SSN on a joint return. If you have an ITIN, use it. If you don't have an SSN or ITIN and aren't eligible for an SSN, write "ITIN TO BE REQUESTED." The IRS can't process a Form 4868 without a number; it writes to ask for one and sends the form back.

Step 4: Your estimate (lines 4 to 6)

• Line 4: the total tax you expect on your return (Form 1040, 1040-SR or 1040-NR, line 24). Enter -0- if you expect none.
• Line 5: what you've already paid for the year (Form 1040, line 33, not counting what you pay with this form).
• Line 6: line 4 minus line 5. If line 5 is bigger, enter -0-.

You can round to whole dollars. If you do, round every amount. How to estimate your tax.

Step 5: Payment (line 7)

Enter what you're paying with the form, if anything. You don't have to pay to get the extension, but anything unpaid after April 15, 2027 collects interest and usually the late-payment penalty. The IRS recommends paying electronically. If you pay online and mark the payment as an extension, you don't need to file Form 4868 at all. Get an extension by paying.

Step 6: Lines 8 and 9, only if they apply

• Line 8: check it if you're a U.S. citizen or resident and out of the country on the due date. Your Form 4868 is then due June 15, 2027. Americans abroad.
• Line 9: check it if you file Form 1040-NR and didn't receive wages subject to U.S. income tax withholding. Your Form 4868 is then due June 15, 2027. Nonresident aliens.

Step 7: Send it

• Mail it to the address for where you live: one address if a check is enclosed, another if not. It must be postmarked by April 15, 2027. Where to mail it.
• Or e-file it through IRS Free File, software, a tax pro or an e-file service, and keep the acknowledgment. File it online.

There's no signature line, and you don't attach anything.

After you file

File your return by October 15, 2027. Don't attach Form 4868 to it, and report any payment you made with the extension on Schedule 3, line 10.

Questions people ask

How long does Form 4868 take to fill out?

Most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes once they have last year's return and this year's tax documents. The estimate takes the longest.

Can I file Form 4868 for my spouse?

On a joint return, one Form 4868 covers you both, with both names and SSNs. If you'll file separately, each of you files your own.

Do I attach anything?

No. Form 4868 goes on its own, with a check if you're paying that way.

Common mistakes

• Leaving off the address. The IRS can't process a Form 4868 without one.
• A missing or wrong SSN. The IRS returns the form and asks for it, which costs you time near the deadline.
• Including this payment on line 5. Line 5 is what you'd already paid; this payment goes on line 7.
• The wrong year's form. Match the form's year to the return you're extending.