Filing a tax extension sounds like it involves paperwork, confusion, and a long afternoon. It doesn’t. If you follow the IRS Free File pathway, the entire process can take just a few minutes.

Here is exactly how it works, what the deadline really means, and what to watch out for.

First, let’s clear something up

An extension gives you more time to file. It does not give you more time to pay.

Your tax payment is due by the regular filing deadline, typically April 15 for calendar-year filers. If that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day.

If you owe tax and do not pay by the regular due date, interest and potentially penalties begin accruing from that date. Filing Form 4868 moves your filing deadline to October 15, but it does not stop interest from accruing on unpaid balances.

Important: Even if you cannot pay your full balance, you should still file the extension. Then pay as much as you reasonably can by the regular due date. This reduces interest and penalties.

Watch: How to file an extension in under 5 minutes.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown that follows the video tutorial included in this post.

Step-by-step: File using IRS Free File Fillable Forms

Step 1: Go to IRS.gov

Search “IRS file an extension” in Google.

Ignore the ads. Click the official irs.gov result titled “Get an extension to file.”

Scroll down and select Use IRS Free File.

Then choose Free File Fillable Forms and click Start Free File Fillable Forms.

Step 2: Create or sign into your Free File account

This is separate from your main IRS online account.

If you have never used Free File Fillable Forms before, you will need to create an account.

If you already have one, sign in.

Step 3: Click “File an Extension”

Once inside, you may see options related to filing a full return. Ignore those.

In the top left corner, select File an Extension. This opens Form 4868.

Step 4: Enter your personal information

On the left side, enter:

• Your name
• Your spouse’s name if filing jointly
• Your address
• Social Security Numbers

On the right side, you will see the estimated tax section.

You are required to make a reasonable estimate of your total tax liability and payments. The form calculates any balance due.

If your goal is simply to secure the extension and you are not paying through this screen, you may enter zero as your payment amount.

However, understand this clearly:

Filing an extension does not extend your time to pay. If you owe tax, you are still expected to pay by the regular filing deadline. Filing the extension without paying may result in interest and penalties on any unpaid balance.

Even if you cannot pay in full, file the extension and pay as much as you can by the deadline.

Use the Save button as you go.

Step 5: Verify your identity

You will complete three sections:

Section 1:
Enter last year’s Adjusted Gross Income or your previously created five-digit self-select PIN.

If you do not know your AGI, use the IRS “Get Transcript Link” tool to retrieve it.

If you are filing for 2025, you will use your 2024 AGI.

Section 2:
Create a five-digit PIN for yourself and your spouse if filing jointly. Enter your dates of birth.

Section 3:
If you are making a payment electronically, select your payment method.

If you are not making a payment through this system, select the option indicating you will mail a check. This confirms you are not submitting an electronic payment with the extension.

Do not mail a separate paper Form 4868 if you e-filed it. Only mail a check if you are actually sending payment by mail.

Step 6: Submit

Answer the security math question.

Confirm you have read the disclosure.

Click File an Extension.

You should receive confirmation that your extension has been successfully filed.

Your new filing deadline will be October 15, unless that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, in which case it moves to the next business day.

That’s it.

Alternative method: Pay online and skip Form 4868

You can also make a payment directly through the IRS online payment system and indicate that the payment is for an extension.

When you do this:

• You do not need to file Form 4868 separately
• Your extension is automatically granted
• You receive a confirmation number

If you expect to owe and already know the amount, this can be even faster.

Why people file extensions

Extensions are rarely about procrastination. They are about complexity.

Common reasons include:

• Waiting on Schedule K-1s or corrected 1099s
• Late brokerage or partnership reporting
• Crypto activity across multiple exchanges and wallets
• Business changes or major life events
• Avoiding a rushed return that later requires amendment

Filing accurately once is usually better than filing quickly and correcting later.

A note for crypto users

Crypto tax reporting is rarely simple. Transfers between wallets, DeFi activity, staking, cost basis gaps, and inconsistent exchange exports can all create reporting issues.

An extension gives you time to reconcile everything properly.

Summ connects to over 3,500 exchanges, wallets, and DeFi protocols to calculate accurate cost basis and generate IRS-ready forms including Form 8949 and Schedule D. When October arrives, you are filing numbers you can defend.

Key dates to remember

Regular filing deadline (typically April 15)

• Extension request must be filed
• Tax payment is due

October 15

• Extended deadline to file your return

If either date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.