How to E-File Your Federal Tax Extension Online For FREE! Tax Year 2012
Updated for 2013. The deadline for filing your federal taxes this year is Monday, April 15th, 2013. Here’s how to do it electronically for free. If you file for an extension, you will automatically be extended to Tuesday, October 15, 2013. Here’s how you can e-File a official federal extension with the IRS in minutes for free (and possibly your state extension too). Why bother with paper and stamps – do it all online, avoid getting hit with penalties, and get confirmation of receipt within hours.
Option #1: TaxACT
This is how I did my extension for the last two years. Just sign up with TaxACT.com and e-file your extension for free through them. It’s quick. It’s easy. You don’t even need to actually use them to file your taxes later, although TaxACT is also free for federal taxes with e-File included regardless of income, and is only $14.95 for state returns with free e-File.
(That’s cheaper than TurboTax or TaxCut, although if you’re already familiar with those programs it may be worth the extra bucks to stick with them, since you can save time by importing your previous year’s data.)
Directions
First, register for free at TaxACT.com with your e-mail address and pick a password. To go directly to the extension form, click on the “Filing” tab on the top, and then the “File Extension” link right below it (see below). You will then be guided through the Form 4868 in a question-and-answer format. You will then be able to have the form filed electronically instantly (or you can print and snail mail).
If you don’t think you’ll owe any taxes, you can just put down zero as your expected tax liability. If you wish to make a tax payment, you will be able to choose to pay with direct withdrawal from a bank account (account and routing numbers required) or pay with a credit card (IRS fees apply).
Afterward, you can confirm the status of your extension e-file by going to efstatus.taxact.com. They can even send you a confirmation via e-mail or text message. I got my confirmation less than 3 hours after submission.
Free state tax extensions too! I just filed again this year and found out that TaxACT will now even file out your state tax extension online if possible, otherwise they will fill out all the paper form entries for you and all you have to do is print it out and mail it in.
Option #2: Free File Fillable Forms
This one’s more frustrating to use, but it’s still free so here are some instructions. Go to the Free File Fillable Forms site (say that 5 times fast) and click on “Start Free File Fillable Forms”. Click “Sign-in” on the top left, and create a new account. After you’re signed in, click on “Continue” and pick your form. Go with 1040. On the top right, you should see an icon with the label “File an Extension”.
This will bring up Form 4868. Click around the form to fill the boxes out. You’ll need to estimate your total tax liability, but since this is just an online version of the form so there is no guidance included. As above, you can request your estimated tax payment to be withdrawn electronically by supplying your bank’s routing and account numbers. For identification purposes, you’ll need your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your 2010 tax return.
Please note that filing an extension only extends the time to file your return and does not extend the time to pay any tax due. To avoid late payment penalties and interest you must estimate what tax will be due and pay that when you file the extension.
By Jonathan Ping | Taxes | 3/20/13, 1:45pm
April 10th, 2009 at 8:17 am
I’ve never understood the benefit of an extension. Taxes are very easy to do (especially with TaxAct) and after receiving all my forms in January, I have 3 months to complete the forms, file and pay. As I understand it, you still have to pre-pay taxes when filing an extension or else pay a fee.
So what benefit do I have for filing the extension, besides the buzz of procrastination for a few more months?
April 10th, 2009 at 8:22 am
[...] If you’re short on time to file your taxes this year, head over to My Money Blog and read about how to e-file your tax extension for free. [...]
April 10th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Some people with complex tax situations may need more time to sort it out. IRA re-characterizations, stock option grants/exercises, exotic deductions. It’s not all W-2′s and 1099′s for everybody.
April 10th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Let’s not forget that the IRS has a phone number (toll-free) where you can call and get the extension automatically. As for the state taxes, at least in my state you can mail in the extension request once you have called the IRS. All free except the $0.45 stamp.
April 10th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I file an extension every year. I own two businesses. Both of them are busiest in Q1, so I have no time to get my stuff together by April 15. Making sure I’m profitable around that time is too important to me. And I can’t file my individual extension until my business taxes are done. Thus, my reason for the extension. And I know a lot of other biz owners who do the same thing.
Good luck calling the IRS phone number! It’s impossible to get someone on during the busiest time of the year.
e-filing it thru a website is worth it. That confirmation from the IRS is a must. I trust that more than I do sending something in the mail these days.
April 10th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I’ve used the IRS phone number; it’s a particular number they have to handle extension requests. It’s automated. You don’t have to interect with a human at all.
April 11th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Harish,
I think that number was disconnected 2 years ago. Now, if you want to us the phone you have to call Official Payments or Link2Gov. The can extend on the phone, but only if you make a tax payment through their service, and they charge a “convenience fee” of 2.5% of what you owe.
Most “free” tax services have hidden fees.
April 11th, 2009 at 9:45 am
I need that phone number for extensions at the IRS. Anyone?
April 12th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Based on this information from the IRS (http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc304.html), I don’t think there is a phone option.
April 13th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Even if you extend, it is still worth paying as much as possible to avoid late payment penalities. Extension does not mean no taxes due,. Also to the previous commenter, you need to submit a form which you can only do online or via mail.
April 13th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Thanks for the dead lead, Harish! I called the IRS, and after 30 minutes of being on hold, they said either send in the form, or use an online provider (that whole Authorized IRS e-file thing).
I tried the Free File Fillable Forms (mouthful!) and couldn’t even get past the annoying account setup page… it kept rejecting that automated verification code at the beginning.
Amen to FileLater for having an easy solution that actually gets the job done. WELL worth the $20!
April 14th, 2009 at 10:22 am
[...] How to E-File Your Tax Extension Online For Free [...]
April 15th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
E-File federal tax extention of time.
April 15th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Mike- Thanks! Turbo Tax provides free extensions online. I wasn’t previously a Turbo Tax user and had to create a login. It was EASY and FREE!
April 15th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
The advantage to filing an extension is when you can’t afford your taxes and you pay some now and some later. It’s for people who are toeing the line…! (like me!)
April 15th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Thanks Mike for the tip!! I was a TurboTax user, and missed this service – it was easy, and such a relief.
April 16th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Jonathan, Thanks for a useful website. I used TaxAct to file extension. I have not received any mail/communication. Should I expect any communication from IRS or is there place to verify that the extension has been approved. Thanks in advance
March 18th, 2010 at 9:56 am
That’s nice if Adam doesn’t need an extension but I wonder why he cares that some of us do. Just cuz taxes are easy FOR YOU, Adam, please don’t assume it’s the same for everyone.
What really surprises me is that Harrish 2x mentions this IRS phone number but doesn’t actually give it.
Here’s my experience with Turbo Tax this year.
I click on a link at my bank’s web site for Turbo Tax.
I select the ‘free” file online option.
I select “file an extension”
I fill out all the highly confidential info required for an extension (SS#, AGI for ’08) when I’m done and want to send the extension, THEN TURBO TAX TELLS ME IT COST $10!!!!!
I’m not objecting that it was apparently free last year and now isn’t. I’m not objecting that they charge $10. BUT THEY DON’T TELL YOU IT COSTS UNTIL YOU’RE READY TO SEND.
I used to use Turbo Tax in the past. No way after this. What an incredibly bad way to treat people.
Good-bye, TT.
April 12th, 2010 at 10:08 am
This IRS Tax Help Line is extremely helpful in granting extensions, even I was amazed! Call for more info: ** removed due to spam **
so easy
April 12th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Thanks for this article. I went the FreeForm route and while it was a pain in the ass to basically re-type the whole 1040 after already completing one on H&R Block, I was able to file the extension. Your tutorial helped.
April 13th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Greg, same thing here: did what I could of my return on H&R Block online, but filed my extension via FreeFile Forms. It WAS a bit unclear until I read their FAQ on extensions. You only had to complete the FIRST section of the main return (name, address, SS#, etc.). That’s all the extension form imports. So it’s not all bad.
One other point of confusion is after you file the extension it tells you it filed your return. They didn’t bother re-scripting the confirmation or e-mail notification to be extension-specific.
April 15th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
I did the TaxAct thing for an extension. We won’t owe anything, so I didn’t have to estimate. It took less than five minutes and appears that it has gone through, although I haven’t gotten confirmation yet. State filing with TaxAct this year is $17.95, not $13.95 as the original poster stated.
April 15th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
I just used TaxAct. It was quick and easy.
Thanks for the tip!!
April 15th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Taxact was just as noted… Fast, Free and Easy. Recommended!!
November 5th, 2010 at 4:27 am
preparation of your personal and business taxes and e-file your 2010 federal and File federal tax return 2010 online preparation is unfussy to use, simple and cost efficient
March 26th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Nice, just used TaxAct for 2010 taxes since I’m out of the country and can’t file them in time. I just wish that meant I didn’t have to pay them from out here.
March 31st, 2011 at 1:33 am
I keep trying to submit my extension using TaxAct but have been unsuccessful (I am out of the country). I am never able to reach the step where I must click “Submit”. Am I missing something? I have tried to get an answer from customer service but they keep sending me copy and pasted responses from the website. Very frustrated. Any help would be appreciated.
March 31st, 2011 at 8:26 pm
@Amy – Can you tell me where exactly did you get stuck? I just filed my extension today (March 31st) with TaxAct again just in case, even though I am pretty sure I’ll file in time. I just went through the questions in order, without any problems. This year, they offered to text me when my e-file is accepted electronically.
April 1st, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Update: I got my e-file confirmation from the IRS just 3 hours after submitting on Taxact.
April 9th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Thanks!
I was already on the FreeFile Fillable Forms site, but needed your help in pointing out that I must select a form to file before the “File an Extension” button became available!
Also thanks fo rlinking to the state extension forms.
April 14th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
I was stupid enough to call that IRS number listed. It was a “Nigerian Prince”. Nice.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Thanks, I have removed that phone number from an old commenter.
April 15th, 2011 at 8:38 am
Adam Says: first comment
April 10th, 2009 at 8:17 am
“”Yo Adam, you must really have a simple life, to not be able to understand the need for an extension. And if you dont need one
because your so ‘on time’ why are you making comments, or even
looking at a web page that is about filing a tax extension. (more
proof of your simple life) so good luck when things get complex.
April 16th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!
The whole extension filing process was really confusing for me unti lI read your posting here and you pointed me to TaxAct. Cheers!
April 17th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Oh my Goodness! I never leave comments but I am seriously so grateful for your (WORKING!) information that I must give you kudos! I was in tears after I realized I was missing information for my *last minute* tax preparation. I found it VERY difficult and frustrating to file an extension except through your instructions with TaxAct. Lovely and Helpful- thanks!
Cheers!
April 18th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
The FreeFilefillableforms.com site is a joke. You cannot find the 4868 extension form anywhere on the site even after you register.
April 18th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
If I file for an extension through TaxAct, can I then efile my returns before October, of do I have to mail in a return if I do not efile today? Thanks!
April 18th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Sorry, my previous comment used “of” when it should have said “or.”
April 18th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
Thanks for explaining the details of these options, Jonathan. I had planned to use Free File Fillable Forms this year but then found out it requires MS Silverlight installed — which doesn’t work on my slightly older model PC.
So, I ended up using the trusted old method of paper-filing a Form 4868 again. Call me slightly crazy, but it’s probably safer anyway than having a third party store a comprehensive set of my personal and financial information online (at least Free File Fillable Forms purges their online database once a year, I think).
Besides, I’d probably still have been at the point of figuring out how to create my e-file PIN at the time I had the completed, printed 4868 ready to go in an envelope.
April 18th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
@John: take a look at the picture in the article… it shows you right where you need to click, and it works fine.
January 30th, 2012 at 5:00 am
I have been trying free fillable forms for 2 days trying to fill extension. First, I cannot print, an error msg continues to appear saying they are having problems. Today, I decided to file it anyhow without printing. It then said I could not efile because it wasn’t tax season. Is there a date that they begin accepting extensions? So frustrating…
April 8th, 2012 at 6:31 am
As a tax preparer, I am laughing at the idea that extending is only about procrastination. Ha!
Anyway, I just wanted to add anyone can paper file a form 4868 if they are having issues with the e-filing:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf
The instructions say to use the paper form if you intend to paper file, but really, it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t preclude you from e-filing. Hopefully this will make things easier for people. You do have to estimate your tax and pay it. But if the software or online filing is giving you trouble, just print out the form (at IRS site) and be done with it.
If you owe money to your state, you will need to look up the state form. For many states, a Federal extension means an automatic state extension, but you will have to check your state. & if taxes are due, you still need to pay the taxes to your state, by 4/15.
April 10th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@Jeff: That doesn’t help explain why I would choose to pay you $20 instead of $0 everywhere else.
@Beth: Jeff’s wife?
April 13th, 2012 at 10:08 am
I’m trying to follow Your instructions to efilefile an extension, and cannot even get past step 1, which is to sign in and create an account. There is nowhere to do that, and I’ve used your link and then tried every other link that made sense, and nowhere is there the option of signing in ANYWHERE.
April 13th, 2012 at 9:49 pm
@Sydney – I’m not sure I understand what your difficulty is. Are you using the TaxAct link above and don’t see the “Register Now” section? You need to register for an account with TaxAct, and then efile the extension for free.
April 16th, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Worked great for me. They do ask for your income from 2010 income taxes for ID verification, had to dig that out.
March 5th, 2013 at 7:34 am
So many things come together in the spring. Spring cleaning, which my wife wants me to participate, and it is just getting nice out and I want to go out and play. I forget the rest, but there are always ten things to do starting March or April.
I always file for an extension, then I can do the taxes anytime.
March 5th, 2013 at 7:50 am
In fact, why doesn’t the IRS allow me to file a ONE TIME FORM to indicate that I ALWAYS want to extend?
April 14th, 2013 at 11:50 pm
Ahhhh tax time! Taxact worked like a champ. I didn’t have to provide any income numbers, maybe because I didn’t send in any extra payments.
April 15th, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Took a long a** time to get through the screens. Really sucks this time of the year!
April 15th, 2013 at 10:38 pm
For any of those last minute folks I used the TurboTax free extension option. Originally my CD version just told me to print and send in, but the free option was a lot simpler. Just use the following link and it just gets you a simple Form 4868 to fill in.
http://turbotax.intuit.com/irs-tax-extensions/
Took all of five minutes and considering I only had a couple of hours left it seemed to fill the need.
April 15th, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Just wanted to say THANK YOU! Forgot that H&R would charge add’l $19.95 (plus tax) for Fed extension… What… I didn’t pay enough for your program??? So did a search & found your suggestion for TaxACT free extension filing. Created an account at about 11:42 PM on 4/15/13 & was done filing with five minutes to spare! And this on an OLD PC with dial-up connection! FYI, you can file NYS 6 month extension online for free, but NYS doesn’t make it too easy to find the link. They will probably change the page by next year, but here it is anyway:
http://www.tax.ny.gov/e-services/pext/
P.S. Thanks for the visual aid & tips, they really helped!