The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding American taxpayers that they can request an extension to file their federal income tax returns until Oct. 15, 2026, as the filing season comes to a close.

According to the IRS, individuals must request the extension by April 15, 2026, to avoid penalties.

An extension provides additional time to file, not more time to pay. Any taxes owed are still due by April 15. “To avoid or minimize penalties and interest, taxpayers should estimate their total tax liability, subtract any payments already made, and pay the remaining balance by the deadline,” the agency said in a statement.

The IRS offers several options for taxpayers to request an extension through Oct. 15:

• Use IRS Free File.  All individual filers can use IRS Free File guided software at IRS.gov to electronically request an extension at no cost.

• Use Free File Fillable Forms. Taxpayers can complete and submit Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return PDF, electronically, regardless of income.

• Pay online and select “extension.” Taxpayers who pay all or part of what they owe using IRS online payment options, including IRS Online Account, Direct Pay, or Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (if already registered), can select “extension” as the reason for the payment. This automatically generates an extension; no additional forms are required. Taxpayers should keep their confirmation number in their records.

• File Form 4868 by mail. Taxpayers can complete and mail Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return PDF, to the address listed in the form instructions.

Some taxpayers automatically receive additional time to file, even if they do not request an extension, the IRS said:

• Military personnel: Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two-month extension, until June 15. However, tax payments are still due April 15 to avoid interest.

• Combat zones: Taxpayers serving in combat zones generally have at least 180 days after leaving the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.

• U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two-month extension of time to file, until June 15. Interest will still apply to payments received after April 15.

• Taxpayers in certain federally declared disaster areas may receive additional time to file and pay. Those eligible do not need to request an extension. Information on the most recent tax relief for disaster situations is available on IRS.gov.

The IRS provides multiple ways to make a payment and receive an automatic filing extension, including:

• IRS Individual Online Account

• IRS Direct Pay

• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System

• Credit card, debit card, or digital wallet

For American taxpayers, especially those living abroad, staying informed and meeting key deadlines can help avoid unnecessary penalties and interest. The IRS encourages filers to review their options early, take advantage of available tools and extensions when needed, and ensure any taxes owed are paid on time.

Taxpayers can find more information on the Let Us Help You section of IRS.gov, which provides quick access to filing assistance, refund information, payment options, and answers to common questions.

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