File Your Free Federal
Tax Extension in 6 Steps
Need more time to file your federal taxes? IRS Form 4868 gives you an automatic 6-month extension — completely free, no signup required. This guide walks you through every step so you do it right the first time.
What We Offer — By Category
Select your category to see what's available now and what's coming soon.
Free Federal Tax Extension (Personal)
IRS Form 4868 — step-by-step walkthrough. 6-month extension, completely free. No signup required.
State Extension Guidance
NY & NJ auto-extend with federal. We guide you to the right state portal for all other states.
Business Tax Extension Guidance
Form 7004 for businesses — we explain the process for your entity type (LLC, S-Corp, sole prop, etc.).
Personal Tax Return Prep (W-2, 1099, ITIN)
In ProgressFull individual returns — federal & state. Launching once EFIN is obtained.
Small Business Tax Return Prep
In ProgressSchedule C, S-Corp, LLC returns — federal & state.
Bookkeeping for Tax Readiness
In ProgressMonthly bookkeeping so your records are clean and tax-ready year-round.
Estimated Tax Payments
In ProgressQuarterly estimated tax calculations for individuals and businesses.
Payroll Tax Assistance
In ProgressW-2 prep, 1099 issuance, and payroll tax filings.
IRS Notice Response Help
In ProgressGuidance on understanding and responding to IRS letters and notices.
Get Notified When Tax Prep Launches
We're working on our EFIN. Be first to know when full tax services go live.
Remember: A tax extension gives you more time to FILE — not more time to PAY. If you owe taxes, you must still pay by April 15 to avoid interest and late-payment penalties.
Pay Now at IRS Direct PayDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. DFT Digital Multiservice is a document preparation service — not a tax firm, CPA, or licensed tax preparer. We do not provide tax advice. For personalized tax guidance, consult a licensed tax professional or CPA. All IRS rules referenced are based on current IRS guidance and may change — always verify at IRS.gov.
How to File Form 4868 —
The Complete Walkthrough
Click each step as you complete it to track your progress. Takes about 10–15 minutes total.
Check the Deadline
- The federal tax extension deadline is typically April 15 (same as the regular filing deadline).
- Filing Form 4868 by April 15 gives you until October 15 to file your return.
- If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day.
- For 2025 taxes (filed in 2026): check IRS.gov for the exact current deadline.
An extension gives you more time to FILE — not more time to PAY. If you owe taxes, you still need to estimate and pay by April 15 to avoid penalties.
Gather What You Need
- Your full legal name (and spouse's name if filing jointly)
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your address (current mailing address)
- An estimate of your total tax liability for the year (Line 4 on Form 4868)
- Amount of taxes already paid (withholding from W-2, estimated payments, etc.)
Don't know your exact tax liability? Make your best estimate. The IRS understands estimates — just be as accurate as you can.
Get Form 4868
- Form 4868 is free and available directly from the IRS website.
- You can download the PDF, fill it out, and mail it — or file it electronically for free.
- The form is only one page and takes about 5–10 minutes to complete.
Fill Out the Form
- Part I — Identification: Enter your name, address, and SSN/ITIN.
- Line 4 — Estimate of total tax liability: Your best guess of what you owe for the year.
- Line 5 — Total payments: Add up withholding from W-2s + any estimated tax payments made.
- Line 6 — Balance due: Line 4 minus Line 5. If this is positive, you may owe money.
- Line 7 — Amount you're paying: If you owe, enter how much you're paying now (can be $0).
- Sign and date the form if mailing it.
If you're not sure about Lines 4–6, enter your best estimate. The IRS won't reject your extension for an imperfect estimate.
Submit Your Extension
- Option A — Mail it: Send Form 4868 to the IRS address for your state (listed in the form instructions). Must be postmarked by the deadline.
- Option B — IRS Direct Pay (Recommended): Pay any estimated tax owed at IRS Direct Pay and select 'Extension' as the payment reason. This automatically files your extension — no form needed!
- Option C — IRS Free File: Use IRS Free File at freefile.irs.gov to e-file Form 4868 for free.
- Option D — Tax software: Most tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.) lets you e-file Form 4868 for free.
Confirm & Keep Records
- If you e-filed or used Direct Pay: Save your confirmation number or email receipt.
- If you mailed it: Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of the postmark date.
- Your extension is automatically approved — the IRS does NOT send a confirmation letter.
- Mark October 15 on your calendar as your new filing deadline.
- Start gathering your documents now so you're ready well before October 15.
The IRS does not notify you that your extension was accepted. As long as you filed correctly and on time, it's approved automatically.
Use IRS Direct Pay —
The Simplest Option
IRS Direct Pay is the fastest, easiest way to file your extension AND pay any taxes owed — all in one step. When you make a payment and select "Extension" as the reason, your Form 4868 is automatically filed. No paper form needed.
- Free — no fees, no account required
- Instant confirmation number
- Automatically files your extension
- Pay from any US bank account
- Available 24/7
Step-by-Step at IRS Direct Pay
- 1Go to IRS Direct Pay at irs.gov/payments/direct-pay
- 2Click "Make a Payment"
- 3Select "Extension" as the reason for payment
- 4Select "1040" as the tax form and the current tax year
- 5Enter your bank account info and payment amount (can be $0 if you don't owe)
- 6Submit — your extension is automatically filed!
Prepare Your Extension —
Step by Step, Like TurboTax
Answer a few simple questions and we'll compile your Form 4868 information. No signup, no account, completely free. Then file directly with the IRS in one click.
What is your filing status?
This determines how your extension is filed with the IRS.
What About Your State Taxes?
Find your state below — click the Portal button to go directly to your state's official tax website, or click Guide for a step-by-step walkthrough specific to your state.
New York
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension when federal extension is filed. No separate NY form needed.
Form: IT-370 (optional if paying)
New Jersey
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension when federal extension is filed. No separate NJ form needed.
Form: NJ-630 (optional if paying)
Connecticut
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension — no separate CT form needed if you filed a federal extension.
Form: CT-1040 EXT (if paying)
Pennsylvania
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: November 15Automatic 6-month extension — PA follows the federal extension. No separate PA form required.
Massachusetts
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension — MA follows the federal extension. No separate MA form required.
Form: M-4868 (if paying)
California
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension — no form needed. CA automatically grants an extension to October 15.
Form: FTB 3519 (if paying)
Illinois
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension — IL follows the federal extension. No separate IL form required.
Form: IL-505-I (if paying)
Georgia
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension — GA follows the federal extension. No separate GA form required.
Form: IT-303 (if paying)
North Carolina
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension — NC follows the federal extension. No separate NC form required.
Form: D-410 (if paying)
Virginia
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: November 1Automatic 6-month extension — VA follows the federal extension. No separate VA form required.
Form: 760IP (if paying)
Maryland
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension — MD follows the federal extension. No separate MD form required.
Form: 502E (if paying)
Ohio
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension — OH follows the federal extension. No separate OH form required.
Michigan
Auto-ExtensionDeadline: October 15Automatic 6-month extension — MI follows the federal extension. No separate MI form required.
Form: MI-4868 (if paying)
Don't see your state?
Most states follow the federal extension automatically. Search "[your state] tax extension" on your state's Department of Revenue website, or reach out and we'll help you find the right link.
Tax Extension FAQs
Still Have Questions?
We can walk you through Form 4868 step-by-step — in English or Spanish. This guidance is completely free. No signup, no commitment.
DFT Digital Multiservice provides document preparation guidance only — not tax advice. For tax advice, consult a licensed CPA or tax professional.
Important Disclaimer — Please Read
DFT Digital Multiservice is a document preparation service — not a law firm, attorney, immigration attorney, CPA, licensed tax preparer, or financial advisor. We do not provide legal advice, immigration legal advice, tax advice, or financial advice. We help clients prepare and organize documents and forms based on the information they provide. For legal, immigration, tax, or financial matters, please consult a licensed attorney, accredited representative, CPA, or qualified professional. Completing and submitting any government form is ultimately the responsibility of the applicant. DFT Digital Multiservice is not responsible for the outcome of any application, filing, or government decision.
Book an Appointment
Free consultation · EN & ES
Ready to get help?
3 spots left this week
Ready to get help?
3 spots left this week
Translate