If you can’t file your federal income tax return by the filing deadline, you can get an extension just by asking for it.
You just need to submit an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extension form, known officially as Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.1
One important note: This doesn’t get you more time to pay any taxes you owe. It only extends the deadline to fill out and submit the paperwork.
