What You Need to Know About Filing an Extension — and Minimizing Penalties
April 14, 2026
If you’re not ready to file your 2025 federal individual income tax return by April 15, you can request an automatic extension. Filing an extension (Form 4868) by April 15 can give you breathing room to file accurately and protect you from the failure-to-file penalty (assuming you file by the extended Oct. 15 deadline).