What is Form 4868?
Form 4868 is the IRS document individual taxpayers use to request an automatic six-month extension for filing federal income tax returns, moving the deadline from April 15 to October 15 without requiring explanation or justification. The form requires basic identifying information and an estimate of total tax liability for the year, along with payment of any taxes owed beyond amounts already withheld or paid through estimated tax payments. Extensions granted through Form 4868 apply only to filing deadlines and do not extend payment deadlines, meaning interest accrues on unpaid taxes from the original deadline. Electronic filing through tax software provides immediate confirmation, while making a payment designated as an extension payment through IRS Direct Pay automatically serves as an extension request. Strategic use of Form 4868 enables implementation of Traditional 401k business contributions up to extended deadlines.
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