Form 4868 allows you to request an automatic extension of time to file your federal tax return. An extension gives you more time to file, but not more time to pay any tax owed.
🚀 Getting Started
When you log in to begin your return, the first step is to complete the Personal Information section.
Once this section is complete, you can prepare and file your federal extension.
🧭 How to Access the Extension Application
To locate Form 4868 in the program, navigate to:
- Federal
- Miscellaneous Forms
- Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File
📝 Information Required to Complete Form 4868
You will be asked to enter the following amounts:
💰 Estimated Tax Liability
Enter the total tax liability you reasonably expect to report on your completed return.
- This amount should be a good‑faith estimate based on the information available to you at the time you file the extension.
- ⚠️ If the IRS later determines that the estimate was not reasonable, the extension may be considered invalid.
⚠️ What If I Later Discover My Estimate Was Incorrect?
Form 4868 cannot be amended once it has been filed. However, an incorrect estimate does not invalidate the extension, provided it was made in good faith.
- 📉 If you underestimated your tax
- The extension generally remains valid
- You should make an additional payment as soon as possible to reduce interest and penalties
- 📈 If you overestimated your tax
- No action is required
- Any overpayment will be refunded or applied when you file your completed return
✅ An extension is valid if it was filed on time and included a reasonable, good‑faith estimate of your tax liability.
📂 Amounts Previously Paid for the Current Tax Year
Enter the total tax payments you have already made for the tax year, including:
- Federal income tax withheld from wages
- Quarterly estimated tax payments
- Prior‑year refunds applied to the current year
🚫 Do not include any amount you plan to pay with your extension in this section.
💳 Amount Paid With Extension
Enter the amount you plan to pay when filing the extension.
- Estimated Tax Liability − Amounts Previously Paid = Expected Balance Due
- You may choose to:
- ✅ Pay the full balance
- ➗ Pay a partial amount
- ⏭️ Make no payment with the extension
⚠️ If you do not pay at least 90% of your total tax liability by the mid‑April deadline, the IRS may charge:
- Interest on the unpaid amount, and
- A late payment penalty
If you plan to make a payment, select Go to Extension Payment.
Otherwise, select Continue.
🤔 What Amounts Should I Enter?
All amounts entered on Form 4868 should be reasonably close to what you expect to report on your final return.
- Exact calculations are not required
- Estimates should be made in good faith using the best information available
📅 Filing the Extension
Extensions must be filed by the original due date of the return.
- Most tax years: April 15
- 2025 tax year filing deadline: April 15, 2026
You may file the extension:
- 💻 Electronically through the program, or
- 📬 By mail, as long as it is postmarked by the original deadline
🖥️ How to E‑File the Extension in the Program
- Federal
- Miscellaneous Forms
- Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File – complete extension information
- Go to Extension Payment – enter payment information (if applicable)
- E‑file Extension
State Extensions
Our program is not designed to file your state extension.
A state income tax extension only extends the time to file, not the time to pay.
If you owe state tax, you must pay it by the original state filing deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
Review our KB article for more information on State Extensions.