Couldn't file you taxes before deadline? Here's how to request an extension in 2025
As the deadline us approaching, many Americans are wondering how to request an extension for tax day 2025. Here's what you need to know.
Hurry up! The deadline to file your taxes is quickly approaching. Known as "Tax Day" which is tomorrow on April 15. According to a January news release from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) "more than half of all tax returns are expected to be filed this year with this year with the assistance of a tax professional".
For those who haven't filed yet, here's what you need to know about the 2025 tax deadline and how to apply for an extension.
Are any states delayed their tax deadlines for 2025?
This year, American have been impacted from natural disasters across the country, from Los Angeles wildfires to Florida and North Carolina.
In 12 states, there have been granted automatic extensions to file and pay their 2024 taxes. Here is a specific part, whose extensions only apply to certain groups within those states.
For California residents, the IRS has extended the filing deadline to October 15, 2025, for various federal individual and business tax returns, as well as tax payments.
In West Virginia, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee and Virginia, where Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted and affected thousands of Americans. The IRS has established until May,1 2025, to file taxes for the 2024 fiscal year.
Other regions eligibly for a May 1 extension due to disaster relief include Juneau in Alaska and Chaves County in New Mexico. Additionally, those affected by severe weather in Kentucky now have until November 3 to file federal individuals and business tax returns and make payments.
The IRS also has a "Frequently asked questions" page for disaster victims, as well as a helpline for general questions about individual tax filing at 1-800-829-1040 and for business tax filling at 1-800-829-4933.
When is the tax extension deadline and what it is?
The deadline to file an extension is when tax day begins on Tuesday, April 15.
A typical federal tax return extension provides taxpayers with an additional six months to file their taxes beyond the April 15 deadline.
It is important to understand that, according to the IRS, this extension applies only to the "filing" of your return. "An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay," the IRS instructs.
How can you file for a tax extension?
There are three ways to request a tax extension:
- Taxpayers can use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic extension for filing their taxes.
- Other option is to check the box indicating a request for an extension when paying taxes online through the IRS website, whether via wire transfer or credit card.
- The third method involves filing Form 4868, the "Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return", for personal tax returns. Businesses can apply using Form 7004.
The process to Form 4868 can be submitted by mail, online via an IRS e-filing partner, or through a tax professional.
Applicants will need to provide their name, address, Social Security number, and estimated payments for the 2025 tax season. While those who file for an extension still need to pay their taxes, submitting Form 4868 does not involve any additional fees.