Form 4868: Application for Extension of Time to File U.S. Taxes

To submit Form 4868, you can file electronically using IRS e-file or by mailing the completed form to the appropriate address listed under 'Where To File a Paper Form 4868.' If paying by check or money order, include your payment with the form and ensure it is made payable to 'United States Treasury.' For electronic payments, utilize Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or pay by debit or credit card. Confirm your payment with the provided confirmation number. It is advisable to submit the form and payment as early as possible to avoid any delays or penalties associated with late submissions.

For 2024, file Form 4868 by April 15, 2024. For 2025, file by April 15, 2025. If you are out of the country, the extended filing dates are June 15, 2024, and June 15, 2025, respectively.

The purpose of Form 4868 is to provide taxpayers with an automatic extension of time to file their U.S. individual income tax return. This form grants an additional six months to submit the necessary documentation and avoid late filing penalties. It is designed to assist those who are unable to meet the regular filing deadline due to various reasons such as living abroad, needing more time to prepare financial information, or facing unexpected life events. Form 4868 is also used to extend the time to file Form 709, the Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return, for the same calendar year. However, it does not extend the time to pay any due gift and GST taxes. Taxpayers must properly estimate their tax liability to ensure they meet the requirements of the extension and avoid any potential interest or penalties. This form can be filed electronically or via paper submission, offering flexibility depending on the taxpayer's preference. Filing online is encouraged for quicker processing and confirmation. It is crucial to understand that while the form grants more time to file, it does not extend the time to pay any owed taxes, which still need to be paid by the regular due date to avoid penalties.

• 1. Your name(s): Enter your full legal name(s) as it appears on your tax return.
• 2. Address: Enter your complete mailing address, including city, state, and ZIP code.
• 3. Social Security Number (SSN): Provide your SSN for identification purposes.
• 4. Estimate of total tax liability for 2020: Estimate and enter your total expected tax liability for the year.
• 5. Total 2020 payments: Enter the total payments already made towards your 2020 tax liability.
• 6. Balance due: Calculate and enter the balance due by subtracting line 5 from line 4.
• 7. Amount you're paying: Enter the amount you are paying with the form (optional).
• 8. Check here if you're 'out of the country': Check this box if you qualify as being out of the country as defined in the instructions.
• 9. Form 1040-NR Filers: Check this box if you file Form 1040-NR and did not receive wages as an employee subject to U.S. income tax withholding.

Failure to submit Form 4868 by the due date can result in penalties and interest charges. It is essential to file the form on time to avoid these consequences.

• Interest Charges: Interest will be charged on any unpaid tax from the original due date until the tax is paid.
• Late Payment Penalty: A penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid tax amount will be charged each month or part of a month until the tax is paid, up to a maximum of 25%.
• Late Filing Penalty: If the return is filed late (including extensions), a penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax amount will be charged each month or part of a month the return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.

• 1. Needing More Time: Taxpayers who need additional time to prepare and file their tax return.
• 2. Living Abroad: Expats and individuals living outside the United States who need extra time to file.
• 3. Unexpected Life Events: Taxpayers experiencing unforeseen circumstances that prevent timely filing.
• 4. Estimated Tax Owing: Individuals who anticipate owing taxes but require more time to finalize their returns.
• 5. Tax Professionals: Tax professionals aiding clients in requesting extensions to file their returns.