How do i file for an extension in turbotax

You can file an extension for your taxes by submitting Form 4868 with the IRS online or by mail. This must be done before the last day for filing taxes. Filing an extension for your taxes gives you additional months to prepare your return no matter the reason you need the extra time.

What is a tax extension?

When some taxpayers ask, “How do I get an extension for my taxes?” they might be thinking of the taxes owed and not the return itself.

This question calls attention to a key distinction about what a tax extension is — and what it is not. An extension only gives you more time to finish the paperwork, not more time to pay.

Your tax payment is due on the tax deadline, which typically falls on April 15 or on the next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday.

• If you know you’ll be getting a refund, you won’t need to worry about paying when you are filing an extension for taxes. The earlier you file your return, the earlier you’ll receive your refund.
• If you think or know you’ll owe, you should estimate your tax liability and pay the amount due when you file Form 4868.

Is there a penalty for filing for a tax extension?

Filing a tax extension is not a bad thing. There is no penalty for filing an extension. However, not paying on time or enough, or failing to file altogether, may cost you.

• If you don’t pay the full amount you owe, the IRS will charge you interest on the unpaid balance until you pay the full amount.
• If you don’t pay at least 90% of the amount you owe, you might also be subject to a late payment penalty. The penalty is usually half of 1% of the amount owed for each month, up to a maximum of 25%.
• If you don’t file either your return or Form 4868 by the tax filing deadline, you’ll be subject to a late filing penalty. The penalty is usually 5% of the amount you owe for each month, up to a maximum of 25%.

After you file the extension, you’ll have until October 15 to gather your documents and finish your filing.  When you complete your return, you should include the amount you’ve already paid in the payments section of your Form 1040.

Can you file a tax extension online? What ways are there?

Form 4868 is the IRS document you complete to receive an automatic extension to file your return. You can file a tax extension online in one of several ways with H&R Block. While you won’t be filling out the paper Form 4868 line-by-line, your tax extension information will be sent online to the IRS.

Here’s how to get an extension on your taxes with H&R Block*

• File your tax extension online on your own – Start with an existing H&R Block Online account or create a new one to submit your extension. If you’ve filed with us online in the past, this experience will be familiar to you. Our program will ask you all the relevant questions, so you can file your extension with the IRS.
• File your tax extension with a tax pro virtually – Work with H&R Block to connect with a remote tax expert who can submit your tax extension for you. If you haven’t started your return with us virtually, select the version of H&R Block Virtual for your situation and complete the initial information. Then once you’ve created your account, send your tax pro a secure message to request the extension. Already working with a pro? Simply connect with them to determine if an extension is necessary.
• Have a local tax pro file your extension – Work with your current tax pro to file your extension virtually. Log into your MyBlock account and send your tax pro a secure message to request the extension.

Don’t live in the United States? Find out how to file an extension when you’re living abroad from our Expat Tax Services team.

* Fees may apply.

Updated Wed, Mar 30 2022 12:47 PM EDT

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The Apr. 18 tax filing deadline is fast approaching. If you haven't filed your taxes for the 2021 tax year yet and aren't sure you'll be able to complete them in time, you still have time to file an extension.

People file tax extensions for many reasons. Whether you're missing the right tax documents, are grappling with a family emergency or simply lost track of time, anyone can file an extension until Oct. 15, 2021.

However, filing an extension is a process. If your tax documents are sitting there, waiting to be filed, the easiest thing to do may still be to bite the bullet and file. Tax prep programs such as TurboTax and H&R Block offer live chat and phone support that can help you address any lingering, last-minute questions that are causing your taxes to loom large and fill you with dread.

But if knocking out your taxes before the deadline isn't possible, Select details what you need to know about filing a tax extension with the IRS.

If you're filing an extension, you'll need to submit IRS Form 4868 electronically by the tax deadline. You can use Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension or print the form and mail it to the IRS address for your state, making sure it's postmarked with adequate postage by Apr. 18.

Using the Form 4868, taxpayers filing an extension must estimate their tax liability, or the amount of taxes they owe on their 2021 income. On Part II of the form, you'll enter your expected tax liability, rounding to the nearest dollar, using the tax rate category you're expected to fall under.

Remember that everyone must pay the taxes they owe by Apr. 18, even if they are filing an extension. Failure to do so will likely result in interest fees and/or late payment penalties, which can make this whole tax season even more expensive.

Filing an extension electronically through one of the major online tax filing programs, such as TurboTax Extension, can help you better estimate your tax liability and avoid surprise fees from the IRS.

The rules vary from state to state. Since each state has its own tax-filing extension rules, check your state's tax agency website before assuming you're in the clear.

Learn More

On TurboTax's secure site

Terms apply, see below for our methodology.

• Step-by-step guidance with a Q&A format that is easy to follow
• TurboTax Live provides on-demand advice and a final review from a tax expert
• Live Full Service has a tax expert prepare, sign, and file your return
• Accuracy and maximum refund guaranteed*
• Audit support, which provides free assistance if you get an IRS or other tax notice

• More costly than other software programs
• Live expert assistance plans have additional costs

Learn More

On TaxAct's secure site

Terms apply, see below for our methodology.

• Up to $100,000 accuracy guarantee, which reimburses you for IRS/state penalty or interest if the TaxAct software causes a calculation error in your return
• More affordable than other paid software
• One-on-one support from real tax experts (costs extra)
• Maximum refund and 100% accuracy guarantee, or TaxAct will refund the plan fees you paid and pay any difference in the refund or tax liability, plus cover any legal or audit costs up to $100,000

• Free plan charges per state return
• Xpert help plans cost at least $35 more for federal

Learn More

On H&R Block's secure site

Terms apply, see below for our methodology.

• Simple step-by-step guidance that's easy to follow
• Unlimited on-demand chat or video support with Online Assist plans
• Ability to speak to a tax expert who has an average of 10 years experience (costs extra)
• Over 11,000 physical locations so you can meet with a tax expert in-person
• Maximum refund guarantee, or H&R Block will refund the plan fees you paid
• Audit support guarantee, which provides free assistance if you get an IRS or other tax notice
• 100% accuracy, or H&R Block will reimburse you for any penalties or interest up to $10,000

• Plans that include speaking with a live tax expert start at $69.99 for federal, plus additional state fee
• One of the more costly software programs

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.