Extensions for Being Out of the Country

• If you are out of the country on the income tax filing due day, typically April 15, the IRS grants you a two month extension. To qualify as out of the country, you must be a U.S. citizen or resident and you are either living and working out of the country or you are serving in the military out of the country. This extension applies to both filing your tax return and paying your income taxes. However, you will be charged interest on any amounts unpaid from your regular income tax deadline until you file. The IRS automatically grants this extension but you must attach a statement to your tax return when you file explaining why you are claiming the extension. If you do need additional time to file beyond the automatic two-month extension, you will only receive an extra four months added to your original extension.
  
  

Requesting Extension By Payment

• If you need additional time to file your income taxes, you can make an estimated income tax payment with your credit card or debit card before the income tax filing deadline. The payment can be as little as $1 and will be credited towards your taxes due when you file your return. Payments can be made over the phone or Internet. When you make the payment, you automatically get an additional six months to file your income taxes. When you file your income taxes, include the amount of this estimated payment with your other income taxes withheld during the year to receive credit for it.
  
  

Form 4868

• You can also file for an extension using Form 4868, and you do not need to make a payment at the time you file. This form grants the same six-month filing extension as paying by debit or credit card. On the form, you have to provide your identification, including your Social Security number, as well as your estimated tax liability and total withholding for the year. This form should be used if you anticipate being entitled to a refund, or prefer to make your estimated tax payment with a check or money order.
  
  

Importance of the Payment

• The IRS does not require that you submit any documentation of how you calculated your estimated payment. However, if you underestimate your payment and end up owing money when you file, you will have to pay interest on the unpaid amount. If you do not pay at least 90 percent of what you owe, you will also owe a late payment penalty. If you overpay, you receive a refund when you file your income taxes of any excess payments.