| Tax Topic #304 |
2008 Tax Year |
Topic 304 - Extensions of Time to File Your Tax Return
There are three choices for filing Form 4868 (PDF), Application
For Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Tax Return; 1)
electronically (such as by computer), 2) by paying part of your tax due with
a credit card through an outside service provider listed on the form, or 3)
by mail. If you file your Form 4868 electronically you will receive an acknowledgement
or confirmation number for your records and you do not need to mail in Form
4868. If you need to pay additional taxes, you may do so through the outside
service provider or through e-file. If you were or are serving in a combat
zone, a qualified hazardous duty area, or in a contingency operation, refer
to Topic 301 for more information about extensions.
You can refer to your tax software or tax professional for ways to file
electronically using e-file services. If you wish to make a payment
using the electronic funds withdrawal option, be sure to have a copy of last
year's tax return. You will be asked to provide the Adjusted Gross Income
from the return for taxpayer verification.
Besides filing electronically, you can generally get an extension of time
to file if you pay part or all of your estimate of income tax due by credit
card. You may pay by phone or Internet through one of the service providers
listed on Form 4868. Each service provider will charge a convenience fee based
on the amount of the tax payment. At the completion of the transaction, you
will receive a confirmation number for your records.
In addition to filing Form 4868 electronically, or by paying part of your
tax by credit card, you can file Form 4868 by filling out the form and mailing
it to the place where you will file your return.
Please be aware that an extension of time to file is NOT an extension of
time to pay.
The State Government page on the IRS web site also contains information
useful to individuals. Visit the taxation links for each state's site to find
information on individual tax issues, including electronic filing. Click the
following URL to link to the State Government web sites: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99021,00.html.
Page Last Reviewed or Updated: December 22, 2008
Previous | Index | Next
SEARCH:
You can search for information in the entire Tax Prep Help section, or in the entire site. For a more focused search, put your search word(s) in quotes.
Tax Topic Categories | FAQ Categories | Tax Prep Help Main | Home
| 
