WASHINGTON —
Taxpayers who need extra time to file their federal returns this year can file
the Form 4868 request for an automatic extension through IRS Free File. The extension
gives you an additional six months, until Oct. 15, to file the tax return. Taxpayers
can file the request for extension with traditional Free File or Free File Fillable
Forms. Using Free File to prepare and electronically submit Form 4868 is free
to everyone.
In addition, taxpayers can use paid preparers
or purchased software to electronically file Form 4868. A paper version is also
available for download from the IRS Web site, IRS.gov. However, you will only
receive an acknowledgement that the IRS received your request, if you e-file or
Free File the request.
Free File and Free File Fillable
Forms will be available through Oct. 15.
An Extension
to File, Not to Pay
An extension of time to file is
not an extension of time to pay. You need to estimate your tax liability and pay
any balance due when you request the extension. Several payment options are available,
including electronic funds withdrawal, credit card and check.
If
you are unable to pay the total balance due, you should pay as much as possible
and then contact the IRS about an installment plan. Even if you cannot pay the
balance due, it is important to either file a return or request an extension to
avoid the failure-to-file penalty.
The IRS expects to receive
approximately 10 million extension requests in 2010, which is about the same as
last year. Some taxpayers automatically receive extensions to file. For example,
military personnel serving in a combat zone have 180 days after leaving the combat
zone to file their returns. Victims of recent natural disasters in certain federally
declared disaster areas also have extra time.
