Answers · Individual tax · Form 1040
How Do Tax Extensions Work?
An extension generally extends time to file, not time to pay.
How it works
The rule, and what it turns on.
Individuals generally use Form 4868 for an automatic six-month extension, but estimated tax due should be paid by the original deadline.
Example
A taxpayer extending to October but expecting an $8,000 balance should generally pay the estimate by April.
Common mistakes
What we see go wrong, and what we do instead.
- Thinking extension postpones payment.
A better approach
- Make a good-faith tax projection and pay with extension.
Authority
Where this comes from, so you can check it.
IRC §6081; Treas. Reg. §1.6081-4; Form 4868 instructions.
Educational information, not individualized tax advice. Treatment depends on your facts, entity classification and tax year, and IRS instructions change. Confirm your own position with us before relying on it. Mint Associates does not provide legal services.
Also asked
The same question, the other ways people put it.
- Does a Tax Extension Give Me More Time to Pay?
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