Getting An Extension For Filing Your Returns

This year you have an extra three days -- until April 18 -- to file your income tax return. However, that still may not be enough time for some filers. In these cases, you must file for an extension.

If you know that you will not be able to meet the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) deadline, you may get a six month extension. However, you must pay any taxes you owe by the regular deadline or face penalties and interest. That's a little tricky if you haven't prepared your return.

You can get the automatic extension by using IRS e-file or by filing a paper form.

There are two ways you can use e-file to get an extension of time to file. Complete Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to use as a worksheet.

You can't extend the time to pay your taxes

If you think you may owe tax when you file your return, usePart II of the form to estimate your balance due. If you e-file Form 4868 to the IRS, do not also send a paper Form 4868.

You can use a tax software package with your personal computer or a tax professional to file Form 4868 electronically. You will need to provide certain information from your tax return for 2009.

You can get an extension by paying part or all of your estimate of tax due by using a credit or debit card. You can do this by phone or over the Internet. You do not file Form 4868.

You can get an extension of time to file by filing a paper Form 4868. Mail it to the address shown in the form instructions. If you want to make a payment with the form, make your check or money order payable to the "United States Treasury." Write your SSN, daytime phone number, and "2010 Form 4868" on your check or money order.

Ask for the extension before the deadline

You must request the automatic extension by the due date for your return, in this case April 18. You can file your return any time before the 6-month extension period ends.

When you file your return, be sure to enter any payment you made related to the extension of time to file on Form 1040, line 68. If you file Form 1040EZ or Form 1040A, include that payment in your total payments on Form 1040EZ, line 10, or Form 1040A, line 44. Also enter "Form 4868" and the amount paid in the space to the left of line 10 or line 44.

An extension of more than six months will generally not be granted. However, if you are outside the United States and meet certain tests, you may be granted a longer extension.

The deadline for filing your tax return, paying any tax you may owe and filing a claim for refund is automatically extended if you serve in a combat zone. This applies to members of the Armed Forces, as well as merchant marines serving aboard vessels under the operational control of the Department of Defense, Red Cross personnel, accredited correspondents and civilians under the direction of the Armed Forces in support of the Armed Forces.