An extension to file is not an extension to pay tax.
This page collects official government resources and reputable third-party services related to filing a tax extension, in one place. Official sources always come first - use a commercial service only if a direct government channel does not fit your situation. This site carries no affiliate, referral, or paid-placement relationship with any provider listed below; a listing here is not an endorsement or recommendation of any specific position or service over another, and this guide does not receive compensation for any link on this page. Every link is checked for a live, working connection before publication.
| Resource | What it's for |
|---|---|
| IRS - Get an Extension to File Your Tax Return | The IRS's own overview page for individual filing extensions (Form 4868) and related guidance |
| IRS Free File | File Form 4868 electronically at no cost, regardless of income - a direct IRS program, not a third-party product |
| IRS Direct Pay | Pay directly from a bank account and designate the payment as an extension payment - often satisfies the extension requirement without filing Form 4868 separately |
| EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) | The Treasury's free system for scheduling federal tax payments, including extension payments, in advance |
| Taxpayer Advocate Service | Independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems, including extension and penalty disputes, that haven't been resolved through normal IRS channels |
These are paid, third-party services authorized by the IRS to transmit extension filings electronically. They are useful when a filer wants a guided, paid experience, confirmation tracking, or state-extension guidance bundled together - but they charge a fee for a filing that is also available for free directly through the IRS above. Confirm current pricing and terms directly on each provider's site before using it; neither is required to complete a valid extension.
| Provider | What it offers |
|---|---|
| TaxExtension.com | IRS-authorized e-file provider for individual (Form 4868) and business (Form 7004) extensions, plus state extension guidance across all 50 states |
| FileLater.com | IRS-authorized e-file provider for individual and business extensions, with real-time IRS confirmation and state-by-state extension instructions |
The fastest way to find a specific jurisdiction's rule is usually one of this site's own pages rather than a search engine.