Internal Revenue Service ยท United States
Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
Used by individuals to get an automatic six month extension of time to file a federal income tax return. It extends the time to file, not the time to pay.
What Form 4868 is for
Form 4868 asks the IRS for an automatic extension of time to file Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR or 1040-SS, which normally moves the deadline from April 15 to October 15. The extension is automatic when the form is filed by the original due date with a reasonable estimate of the tax. It extends the time to file, not the time to pay: tax still owed after the original due date accrues interest and can attract a late payment penalty.
Who uses it
- An individual who cannot file their federal return by the April due date
- A US citizen or resident abroad who needs more time than the automatic two month extension
- Someone who wants to file later but pay an estimate of the tax now
What the form asks you for
- Your name, address and Social Security number, and your spouse's if you file jointly
- An estimate of your total tax for the year
- The payments you have already made, and the balance due
- The amount you are paying with the extension, if any
When it is the wrong form
- Form 7004 for a business return, such as a partnership or corporation extension.
- Form 2350 if you are abroad and need extra time to meet the bona fide residence or physical presence test.
Fill Form 4868 online
Open the official PDF in ScanMyDocz, complete its form fields in your browser, add a signature or a date if the form needs one, and download the finished copy. What you type stays in your browser.
Questions about Form 4868
Is Form 4868 the right form?
Not always. Use Form 7004 for a business return, such as a partnership or corporation extension; Form 2350 if you are abroad and need extra time to meet the bona fide residence or physical presence test.
Is this the current version of Form 4868?
This page describes the 2025 version, checked against the IRS on 2026-09-15. Tax forms change, so confirm the latest version with the IRS before you rely on it.
Can I fill Form 4868 in ScanMyDocz?
Yes. Choose Fill online to complete its fields in your browser, then download the finished PDF. What you type stays in your browser.
Does ScanMyDocz give tax advice?
No. ScanMyDocz is a document editing and form-filling tool, not a tax advisor. Verify the completed form and current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Related forms
- W-8BEN Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals)
- W-8BEN-E Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Entities)
- W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
- W-4 Employee's Withholding Certificate
- 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
- 1099-NEC Nonemployee Compensation
ScanMyDocz provides document editing and form-filling tools. It does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Verify the completed form and the current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.