Tax Extension Filing
Tax Extension: More Time to File, Not More Time to Pay
Filing Form 4868 moves your federal deadline from April 15 to October 15 — but any tax owed is still due by April 15. Missing the payment date triggers interest charges regardless of the extension.
6 months
Maximum extension
Apr 15
Tax payment deadline
Free
For our filing clients
Common reasons to extend
- Waiting on late K-1s, 1099s, or foreign forms
- Foreign asset reporting (FBAR) needs more preparation time
- Major life events affecting the primary filer
What we handle
- Federal Form 4868 extension filing
- California extension filing (when a separate state filing is required)
- Current-year tax estimate to help you avoid post-April 15 penalties and interest
- Seamless handoff to the full return once the extended deadline arrives
Extended deadline
Federal: October 15 · California: October 15
Extensions are free for clients filing their full return with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
I filed an extension but I still owe — what happens?+
The extension only delays the filing deadline, not the payment deadline. Taxes owed after April 15 accrue a 0.5%/month failure-to-pay penalty plus interest. Paying what you can before April 15 — even a partial amount — reduces the total you'll owe.
Do I need to file separate extensions for federal and California?+
Federal requires Form 4868. California generally grants an automatic 6-month extension if you owe less than $500, but it's worth confirming your specific situation — we'll handle both as part of your filing.
Does filing an extension increase my audit risk?+
No. The IRS does not use extension status as an audit trigger. It's a routine, accepted practice.