File a Tax Extension

You can request an extension of time to file your income taxes. It is very important to realize that a tax extension gives you extra time to file your return, but it does not grant you an extension of time to pay any owed tax.

IRS Form 4868 is titled "Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Most taxpayers may file the form electronically, but as of 2010 all fiscal year taxpayers must file a paper Form 4868.

If you choose to file Form 4868 online, be sure to have your previous year's tax return available in order to complete taxpayer verification.

A form for an automatic extension to file your California state tax return is available.