• The standard deadline for filing your tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is April 15th each year. However, the IRS allows taxpayers to file an application for an automatic tax filing extension and grants a tax filing extension if you are considered out of the country. The duration of the extensions vary and are only to file your return, not to pay what you owe.
  
  

Tax Filing Extension Forms

• The IRS will grant a tax filing extension to anyone who files Form 4868 by the time that your return would have normally been due, April 15. Once approved, your tax return, not your tax payment, is due by October 15.
  
  You need to list your personal information, such as your address, Social Security number and estimate the amount of tax that you will owe on Form 4868. You should use your best estimate to predict how much money you will owe in taxes, subtract the amount of taxes you have had withheld during the year and include a check for the difference if your estimated tax liability exceeds your withholding. The IRS grants these filing extensions without any need to explain why you need an extension, but almost never grant additional extensions, except in the case of taxpayers who qualify because they are out of the country.
  
  

Out of Country Taxpayers

• If you qualify because you are out of the country, the IRS will automatically give you a two month filing extension without you having to request it, making your tax return due June 15. If your home and business are located outside of the United States (including Puerto Rico) or you serve in the Armed Forces outside the country, you will receive the automatic two month filing extension regardless of your whereabouts on the April 15.
  
  

Additional Extensions for Taxpayers Qualifying as Out of the Country

• If you qualify as an out of the country taxpayer and need more than the automatic two month extension, you can file Form 4868 to request additional time, making your return due on October 15 instead. If you need additional time, you can write a letter to the IRS explaining your situation. If approved, you will receive an additional two month extension on top of the six months already granted, making your tax return due December 15.