Preparing and filing extensions for businesses and personal tax returns

If you work with a CPA or a tax preparer directly , they can help you file your extension. However, if you dont have one or want to handle on your own, you can do it for free.

Step by step guide to filing a business tax extension

Step 1 Confirm your eligibility
Submit your request for an extension using Form 7004. To do so, you will need your employer identification number EIN, business legal name and address, the type of tax form you are requesting an extension for, an estimate of your total tax liability, and the amount you have already paid toward your taxes.

Tip
Be as accurate as possible with your estimate. The IRS understands there may be differences between your estimate and the final tax return, but making a reasonable estimate helps keep everything in good standing.

Step 2 Fill out IRS Form 7004
You can file electronically or by mail. We strongly recommend electronic filing. The key fields to complete include:

Line 1b Enter the code for the tax return you are extending
Line 4 Estimate your total tax liability for the year
Line 5 Enter payments already made
Line 6 Calculate the remaining balance if any

A business tax extension is only valid if Form 7004 is submitted on or before the original filing deadline. If you know you will need an extension, do not wait to file it.

Step 3 Send your payment
Any expected tax due must be paid by the original filing deadline. Payment can be made electronically or by mailing a check using the instructions included with Form 7004.

When is your business tax return due after filing an extension
If you file a business tax extension on time, the extended deadline to file the return is October 15th 2026 for most partnerships and S corporations. This extension applies only to filing. Any taxes owed are still due by the original deadline which is generally March 17 or April 15 depending on the business type.

Form 7004 - https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-7004

Step by step guide to filing a personal tax extension

Step 1 Confirm your eligibility
Personal tax return extensions are filed using Form 4868. This form applies to individuals including sole proprietors and single member LLCs that file with the personal return.

To file the extension you will need your Social Security number, legal name and address, an estimate of your total tax liability, and the amount already paid through withholding or estimated payments.

Tip
An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. Paying as much as possible by the original deadline helps reduce penalties and interest.

Step 2 Fill out IRS Form 4868
Form 4868 can be filed electronically through IRS Free File, tax software, or with your tax professional. It can also be filed by mail.

Key fields to complete include:

Estimated total tax liability
Total payments already made
Balance due if any

Step 3 Make your payment
Payment can be made electronically using IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, or tax software. Making a payment and designating it as an extension payment automatically counts as filing the extension.

When is your personal tax return due after filing an extension
If your extension is filed on time, the extended deadline to file your personal tax return is October 15th 2026. Any tax owed is still due by the original April 15 deadline.

Form 4868- https://www.irs.gov/filing/get-an-extension-to-file-your-tax-return