The deadline for filing most individual income tax returns this year is May 17. If you haven't filed your return yet, there are still options available.
You should file electronically if you can, whether through e-file or IRS Free File. The quickest way to get a refund is to file electronically using direct deposit. It also reduces errors, as the software does the calculations, flags common errors, and prompts for missing information. If you don't mind doing your own taxes, the IRS' Free File Fillable Forms is another option that is free for anyone - whether you're filing a return, requesting an extension, or making a payment, the IRS website can help with just about everything tax related, 24/7.
How to Request More Time
If you need more time to file, you can still get it. Anyone, regardless of income, can request an extension on Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
An easy way to do this is by using the IRS' Free File link to electronically file an extension.
Remember though, an extension of time to file isn't an extension of time to pay. You need to estimate your tax liability and pay it when you get your extension. Tax payments are due by the May 17 filing deadline, and you should pay as much as you can to avoid penalties and interest.
You can request an automatic extension of time to file your return and pay all or part of taxes that are due using one of these 3 methods:
IRS Direct Pay. You can use this secure service to pay your taxes directly from your bank account at no cost to you for Form 1040 series, estimated taxes, and other associated forms.
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is another free way to pay your federal taxes. You'll need to enroll first, and then you can schedule, make and track your payment using this secure system offered by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
A credit or debit card. The IRS uses third party payment processors for payments by debit and credit card. You can choose the payment processor that offers the lowest fees for your card type and payment amount and pay online or over the phone.
If you select "extension" as the reason for making your payment, you don't have to file Form 4868 separately. You'll get a confirmation number after you submit your payment, and if you pay with Direct Pay or EFTPS, you can also sign up for email notifications.
Payments made with an extension request will reduce, or - if the balance is paid in full - eliminate, the interest and late-payment penalties that apply if they are made after the May 17 tax filing deadline.
You can download and print Form 4868 if you would rather fill it out and mail it to the IRS instead of doing it electronically, but it needs to be mailed and postmarked by the filing deadline.
Don't worry, you're not alone. About 16 million taxpayers will request an extension of time to file.
Others automatically qualify for more time to meet their tax obligations without having to request it.
Who Automatically Has More Time to File?
The IRS automatically gives filing and penalty relief to taxpayers with an IRS address of record located in areas covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster declarations.
Deadlines for filing individual and business tax returns and making tax payments are currently extended for taxpayers in these areas:
Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas – until June 15, 2021.
Kentucky – until June 30, 2021.
Alabama – until August 2, 2021.
Tennessee – until August 2, 2021.
Visit the Around the Nation page on the IRS website for details and any updates on all available relief.
Special rules may apply for some military personnel serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area, including individuals serving in the combat zone in support of the U.S. Armed Forces.
You'll find a complete list of designated combat zone localities in IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide,
U.S. citizens and resident aliens living outside the United States have until June 15, 2021 to file their 2020 tax returns and pay any tax due.
Other May 17 Extended Deadlines
May 17 is the deadline to make 2020 contributions to the following:
Employment taxes are due May 17 for household employees including housekeepers, maids, babysitters, gardeners, and others who work as an employee in or around a private residence.
Tax-exempt organizations that operate on a calendar-year basis need to file certain annual information and tax returns by May 17.
Unclaimed 2017 Refund Deadline
The IRS estimates that 1.3 million taxpayers didn't file a 2017 tax return to claim tax refunds worth more than $1.3 billion. That three-year window of opportunity to claim a refund for 2017 closes on May 17, 2021, for most taxpayers. If they do not file a tax return by May 17, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.