How to File for a Tax Extension in 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Tax season can be a stressful time, especially if you’re still gathering documents, waiting on financial statements, or simply need more time to file. Fortunately, the IRS allows taxpayers to request an extension, giving them additional time to submit their returns without facing late-filing penalties. However, it’s important to understand that a tax extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owe taxes, you must still estimate and pay your balance by April 15, 2025, to avoid interest and penalties.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about filing for a 2025 tax extension, including:
- Who is eligible for an extension
- How to file an extension request
- How long an extension lasts
- What happens if you owe taxes
- Special extension rules for overseas taxpayers and disaster victims
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for ensuring you meet your tax obligations while giving yourself the extra time you need to file accurately.
Who Is Eligible for a Tax Extension?
The IRS allows almost all taxpayers to request a six-month extension on filing their federal tax return. This includes:
- Individuals (employees, freelancers, retirees, etc.)
- Self-employed workers
- Businesses (corporations, LLCs, partnerships)
Certain groups, such as U.S. citizens living abroad, military personnel serving overseas, and those impacted by natural disasters, may qualify for automatic extensions beyond the standard six months.
How to File for a Tax Extension in 2025
Filing for a tax extension is relatively simple and can be done in three main ways:
1. Pay Your Estimated Taxes Online (Easiest Option)
If you owe taxes and plan to make a payment, you can get an automatic extension by paying online and indicating that your payment is for an extension. This method saves time since it eliminates the need to file separate paperwork.
How to Do It:
- Use one of the IRS-approved payment options:
- IRS Direct Pay (bank transfer)
- Debit or credit card
- Digital wallets like PayPal or Venmo
- When prompted, select that the payment is for an extension.
- Once processed, you will receive a confirmation number, which serves as proof of your extension.
This method ensures your extension request is automatically granted without filing additional forms.
2. File an Extension Electronically (Form 4868)
You can also file for an extension using IRS Free File or other tax software.
How to Do It:
- Use IRS Free File (available to all taxpayers) or tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block.
- Fill out Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return).
- Submit the form electronically by April 15, 2025.
- If approved, your new deadline will be October 15, 2025.
3. Mail a Paper Form 4868
If you prefer traditional methods, you can mail Form 4868 to the IRS.
How to Do It:
- Download and print IRS Form 4868 from the IRS website.
- Complete the form and estimate how much tax you owe.
- Mail the form postmarked by April 15, 2025 to the IRS address designated for your state.
- If paying by check, include your estimated tax payment with Form 4868.
While mailing a paper form is a valid method, it is the slowest and can take longer to process. Electronic filing is recommended for quicker confirmation.
How Long Does a Tax Extension Last?
A standard IRS tax extension moves the filing deadline from April 15 to October 15, 2025, giving taxpayers an additional six months to complete their returns.
However, this extension does not grant additional time to pay any taxes owed. Interest and penalties may still accrue on unpaid balances after the April 15 deadline.
What Happens If You Owe Taxes?
Filing for an extension does not mean you can delay tax payments. If you expect to owe, you should:
- Estimate your tax liability using last year’s return as a reference.
- Pay as much as possible by April 15, 2025, to minimize interest and penalties.
- Set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full. The IRS offers installment agreements that allow taxpayers to pay over time.
Failing to file AND pay can result in two penalties:
- Late-filing penalty: 5% per month (up to 25% total)
- Late-payment penalty: 0.5% per month (up to 25% total)
Paying at least 90% of your tax bill by April 15 will help you avoid the late-payment penalty, even if you still owe money when you file later.
Special Extensions for Certain Taxpayers
1. U.S. Citizens Living Abroad
- Automatic 2-month extension: U.S. citizens and resident aliens living outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico on April 15 automatically receive an extension until June 15, 2025.
- Additional 4-month extension available: They can file Form 4868 for a further extension until October 15, 2025.
2. Military Personnel
- Military personnel serving outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico also receive an automatic 2-month extension.
- Those in combat zones have at least 180 days after leaving the combat zone to file their return without penalties.
3. Disaster Victims
- Taxpayers affected by federally declared disasters (e.g., wildfires, hurricanes, or floods) may receive automatic filing and payment extensions.
- In 2025, IRS relief applies to those affected by disasters in Kentucky (landslides, floods) and California (wildfires).
The IRS frequently updates disaster-related tax relief details on its website.
Conclusion: Filing an Extension the Right Way
A tax extension can be a lifesaver if you need extra time to gather documents, consult a professional, or sort out your financial situation. However, it doesn’t give you extra time to pay. To avoid penalties:
- File your extension by April 15, 2025.
- Estimate and pay your taxes on time.
- Use electronic filing for quick confirmation.
If you know you’ll need an extension, don’t wait until the last minute. Filing early ensures you get the additional time you need without unnecessary stress. Whether you pay online, use tax software, or mail Form 4868, an extension can provide breathing room while keeping you compliant with IRS rules.
