Artículo How to get the automatic extension.. How to get the automatic extension.

id="en_US_2025_publink1000170522"> How to get the automatic extension. You can get the automatic extension by: Using IRS e-file (electronic filing), or Filing a paper form. E-file options. There are two ways you can use e-file to get an extension of time to file. Complete Form 4868 to use as a worksheet. If you think you may owe tax when you file your return, use Part II of the form to estimate your balance due. If you e-file Form 4868 to the IRS, don’t send a paper Form 4868. E-file using your personal computer or a tax professional. You can use a tax software package with your personal computer or a tax professional to file Form 4868 electronically. Free File and Free File Fillable Forms, both available at IRS.gov, allow you to prepare and e-file Form 4868 for free. You will need to provide certain information from your 2024 tax return. If you wish to make a payment by direct transfer from your bank account, see Pay online under How To Pay , later, in this chapter. E-file and pay by credit or debit card or by direct transfer from your bank account. You can get an extension by paying part or all of your estimate of tax due by using a credit or debit card or by direct transfer from your bank account. You can do this by phone or over the Internet. You don’t file Form 4868. See Pay online under How To Pay , later, in this chapter. Filing a paper Form 4868. You can get an extension of time to file by filing a paper Form 4868. If you are a fiscal year taxpayer, you must file a paper Form 4868. Mail it to the address shown in the form instructions. For more information, see Form 4868. When to file. You must request the automatic extension by the due date for your return. You can file your return any time before the 6-month extension period ends. When you file your return. Enter any payment you made related to the extension of time to file on Schedule 3 (Form 1040), line 10. Individuals Outside the United States You are allowed an automatic 2-month extension, without filing Form 4868 (until June 15, 2026, if you use the calendar year), to file your 2025 return and pay any federal income tax due if: You are a U.S. citizen or resident; and On the due date of your return: You are living outside the United States and Puerto Rico, and your main place of business or post of duty is outside the United States and Puerto Rico; or You are in military or naval service on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico. However, if you pay the tax due after the regular due date (April 15 for most taxpayers), interest will be charged from that date until the date the tax is paid. If you served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area, you may be eligible for a longer extension of time to file. See Individuals Serving in Combat Zone , later, for special rules that apply to you. Married taxpayers. If you file a joint return, only one spouse has to qualify for this automatic extension. If you and your spouse file separate returns, the automatic extension applies only to the spouse who qualifies. How to get the extension. To use this automatic extension, you must attach a statement to your return explaining what situation qualified you for the extension. (See the situations listed under (2), earlier.) Extensions beyond 2 months. If you can’t file your return within the automatic 2-month extension period, you may be able to get an additional 4-month extension, for a total of 6 months. File Form 4868 and check the box on line 8. No further extension. An extension of more than 6 months will generally not be granted. However, if you are outside the United States and meet certain tests, you may be granted a longer extension. For more information, see Filing and Payment Due Dates in Pub. 54.