--- title: "Tax extension: Definition and Sources | Tax Glossary" description: "A tax extension gives more time to file a return, usually until October 15, but it does not give more time to pay any tax owed." url: https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/tax-extension publisher: Wallace CPA phone: +1-877-682-1171 quote: https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/contact --- Federal tax # Tax extension A tax extension gives more time to file a return, usually until October 15, but it does not give more time to pay any tax owed. A filing extension moves your due date to file, not your due date to pay. The IRS says to request it by the April filing date. That gives you until October 15 to file without a late filing penalty. Pay any tax you expect to owe by the April date. The extension covers only the filing of your return. Interest and a late payment penalty can still apply to a balance paid after April. You can request more time by paying online and checking the extension box, by using IRS Free File, or by mail. If you did miss a deadline, [penalty abatement](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/penalty-abatement) may help. The [tax preparation page](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/services/tax-preparation) covers filing. [Wallace CPA can helpTax preparation](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/services/tax-preparation) ## Related terms - [Penalty abatement](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/penalty-abatement) - [Estimated tax payments](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/estimated-tax-payments) - [Standard deduction](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/standard-deduction) ## Sources 1. [IRS: Get an extension to file your tax return](https://www.irs.gov/filing/get-an-extension-to-file-your-tax-return) ## Talk to Wallace CPA Call the Southlake office and say what you need: a return, an IRS letter, your books or a new business. Have the notice or last year's return nearby if you have one. [Call (877) 682-1171](tel:+1-877-682-1171)[Send a message](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/contact) 180 State Street, Suite 225, Southlake, TX 76092