Various 1040 Forms

Form 4868
Extension to file individual income tax return.

by Roger Chartier

The IRS form 4868 is an "Application For Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Tax Return."

1. File Form 4868 online from your computer


2. Pay all or part of what you think you owe using a credit card or Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. (
   See the IRS for details)


3. Print out and fill out then file this paper IRS Form 4868

2011 Tax -File by April 17, 2012

You have to file it by April 17 of 2012 for tax year 2011.

 These dates change when the tax due date changes each year.

It usually is April 15 but sometimes is changed because weekend days land on April 15.

There are penalties of up to 25% of tax due if you file after the due date including the extensions.

Two month tax filing extension

Usually the extensions are for 2 months - to June 15, 2012 for 2011 taxes.

The limit is 6 months so for 2011 tax filing in 2012 it lands on October 15, 2012.

There might be an exception if you live out of the country.

Check with the IRS