Tax Extension Guide
Overview
If you’re not ready to file your federal taxes by the deadline, this guide will help you file an extension to give you extra time to file your return without penalties.
Why File a Tax Extension?
A tax extension grants you an additional six months to file your business tax return. This can be useful if you need more time to organize your financial records, complete your bookkeeping for the year, or find an accountant you want to work with. However, keep in mind that an extension to file is not an extension to pay— any taxes owed are still due by the original deadline to avoid interest and penalties.
Step 1: Use This Table to Find the Right Form and Filing Method
Your business structure determines what form to use and how to submit it. The table below includes:
The right IRS form for your entity
What type of return it covers
Original and extended deadlines
Which tools (IRS Free File or tax software) you can use to file
Tax Extension Filing Guide by Business Type
Sole proprietors / Single-Member LLCs
Form to File: Form 4868
What it covers: Personal Return (1040 + Schedule C)
Original deadline: April 15, 2025
Extended deadline: October 15, 2025
How to File: IRS Free File
Partnership / Multi-Member LLC
S Corporation
C corporations
All business owners fling personal return
Form to File: Form 4868
What it covers: Personal Return (1040)
Original deadline: April 15, 2025
Extended deadline: October 15, 2025
How to File: IRS Free File
Special Consideration: Fiscal Year Businesses If your business operates on a fiscal year that differs from the standard calendar year, your tax filing deadline is the 15th day of the fourth month after your fiscal year ends. If you request an extension, the new deadline will be six months after that date.
Step 2: File Your Extension
Filing an extension takes less than 30 minutes if you have your info ready.
Form 4868 (personal)
→ Use IRS Free File or your tax software provider.
→ To use the IRS Free File tool, simply create an account, follow the prompts, and the system will guide you through the process.
Form 7004 (business)
→ Must be filed with tax software, like TaxAct, which we recommend using.
→ IRS Free File does not support it.
Step 3: Pay What You Owe
Even with an extension, you're still expected to pay any estimated taxes by the original deadline.
Not sure what you owe? Use our Tax Extension Calculator to help you estimate and avoid penalties.
Recap
File the correct IRS form based on your business type.
You get 6 extra months to file, but not to pay.
Use IRS Free File for Form 4868 and tax software (like TaxAct) for Form 7004.
Use our calculator to estimate your payment and avoid underpayment penalties.