How to File a Tax Extension for 2025: IRS Rules, Payment Options, and What to Know
With the April 15 tax deadline fast approaching, the IRS is reminding taxpayers that it’s not too late to file — or request more time. If you’re not ready to submit your 2024 federal tax return, you can file for a tax extension and avoid late-filing penalties.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to file a tax extension for 2025, including the right forms, payment options, and important deadlines.
What Is a Tax Extension?
A tax extension gives you more time to file your federal income tax return. It does not give you more time to pay any taxes you owe.
In 2025, the extension pushes your filing deadline from April 15 to October 15 — but if you owe taxes, you must still pay them by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties.
How to File a Tax Extension (Form 4868)
To request a tax extension, the IRS accepts Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You can submit it in a few different ways:
1. File Form 4868 electronically through IRS Free File
- Available to anyone, regardless of income
- Takes just a few minutes
- Confirmation is instant
2. Make a payment and request an extension at the same time
- Use IRS Direct Pay, debit/credit card, or a digital wallet
- Choose “extension” as your payment reason
- You won’t need to file a separate Form 4868
3. Mail a paper Form 4868
- Download from irs.gov/forms
- Must be postmarked by April 15, 2025
Do You Still Have to Pay by April 15?
Yes. If you owe taxes, you need to estimate and pay what you owe by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
Even if you don’t file until October 15, the IRS will start charging interest on any unpaid balance starting April 16.
IRS Payment Options for 2025
If you’re not ready to file but want to pay now, the IRS offers multiple payment options:
- Direct Pay: Pay directly from your bank account with no fees
- IRS Online Account: Pay and view your balance/history at irs.gov/payments
- Debit/Credit Card or Wallet: Small processing fees apply
- EFTPS: Use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (enroll at eftps.gov)
- Check or Money Order: Must be postmarked by April 15
- Cash: Can be paid through participating retail partners, but takes extra steps
Extension Deadline and Exceptions
If approved, your new filing deadline is October 15, 2025. But again, this is for filing only, not paying.
There are a few exceptions to the regular extension rules:
- Combat zone or military duty: Automatic extensions may apply
- Taxpayers abroad: You may qualify for a 2-month automatic extension
- Disaster-affected areas: Special deadlines may be available (check irs.gov/disaster-relief)
How to Check Your Refund or Balance
After filing or paying, use these tools:
- Where’s My Refund? — Updates 24 hours after e-filing
- IRS2Go App — Check refund status or payment activity on mobile
- IRS Online Account — See payments, balances, and return status
What Happens If You Don’t File or Pay?
If you do nothing by April 15, the IRS will begin charging:
- Failure-to-file penalty: 5% per month (up to 25% of what you owe)
- Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% per month, plus interest
That’s why even if you can’t pay, it’s better to file on time or request an extension to limit penalties.
Bottom Line
The IRS makes it easy to file for a tax extension in 2025 — and it could save you hundreds in penalties. But remember: an extension to file is not an extension to pay.
If you need more time to prepare your return, file Form 4868 or make an extension-designated payment by April 15, then submit your return by October 15, 2025.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.