How to Get an Extension for Filing Your Tax Return

This year's long, drawn out tax filing season is almost over. The due date for filing your 2019 tax return was pushed back from April 15 to July 15, 2020. That means you don't have much time left to beat the clock and file your return before the new deadline expires. But what if, for some reason, you just can't file your return on time? Don't freak out – it's easy to get an automatic filing extension to October 15. You don't even need to have a good excuse or explain why you're asking for more time.

Be warned, though, that an extension to doesn't extend your tax. If you don't pay the estimated total tax you owe by the original due date, the IRS will charge you interest on the unpaid balance (even if you had a good reason for not paying on time). They can also tack on additional penalties for filing and paying late. Don't fall into that trap!