1. Confirm you filed and pay what you can
Verify your extension was accepted, update your tax estimate if needed, and pay as much as you can by the original due date to reduce interest and penalties.
Get Started
2. Finish your return by October 15, 2026
Gather W-2s, 1099s, and deductions, then complete and file your Form 1040. Filing by the extended deadline avoids the failure-to-file penalty.
Get StartedNot sure how you want to file?
More time to file, not unlimited time to pay.
Filing by the extended deadline helps you avoid the failure-to-file penalty. If you owe, interest and late-payment penalties may still apply from the original due date. Pay what you can and finish your return as soon as you're able.
Special situations
Military or international tax payers may qualify for automatic extensions.
Deadlines may differ for those in federally declared disaster areas.
What you need to know.
Extension deadlines vary.
Filing an extension is fast.
An extension isn’t extra time to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A federal extension generally gives you more time to file your return, not more time to pay. If you owe tax, interest and late-payment penalties may apply from the original due date until you pay. Paying as much as you can by the due date helps limit what accrues.
