How to Request More Time to Pay Your IRS Tax Bill
What an IRS extension actually does
An IRS extension gives you extra time to pay taxes you already owe — it does not give you extra time to file your return. The IRS calls this an extension of time to pay, and it typically adds four to six months to your deadline. If you owe money on April 15, an extension moves your payment due date to around October 15 of the same year.
You still have to file your tax return by the original deadline (April 15, or the next business day if that falls on a weekend or holiday). If you cannot file by then, you need a separate filing extension, which gives you until October 15 to submit your return itself. Many people confuse the two. This article covers payment extensions — the extra time to pay what you owe after you have already filed.
The IRS charges interest and penalties on unpaid taxes from the original due date forward, even if you have an extension. An extension stops the failure-to-pay penalty from growing larger, but interest keeps running. The longer you wait to pay, the more you owe in total.
Key Takeaways
- An extension of time to pay moves your payment deadline four to six months forward but does not stop interest and penalties from the original due date.
- You request a payment extension using Form 4868 (if you have not filed yet) or Form 9100 (if you have already filed), or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
- The IRS usually grants short-term extensions automatically if you request them before the original due date, but longer extensions require explanation of your hardship.
- Paying even a partial amount before your extension deadline reduces the interest you owe on the remaining balance.
- If you cannot pay in full after the extension ends, you can request an installment agreement to spread payments over months or years.
How to request an extension of time to pay
The fastest way is to call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, the tax year in question, and your filing status ready. The IRS can grant a short-term extension (usually 120 days) over the phone without paperwork if you call before your payment deadline.
If you have not filed your return yet, you can also submit Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return). This form gives you an automatic six-month filing extension and also requests a payment extension. You can file it online through IRS.gov, by mail, or through tax software.
If you have already filed your return, use Form 9100 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return Payment Extension Request). This form is specifically for people who have filed but need more time to pay. Mail it to the IRS address listed in the instructions, or submit it electronically if you filed electronically.
You do not need a reason to request a short-term extension (up to 120 days). For longer extensions, the IRS asks you to explain your situation — job loss, medical emergency, natural disaster, or other hardship. Be honest about what is preventing you from paying on time.
What happens to interest and penalties while you wait
Interest accrues daily on any unpaid tax from the original due date. The IRS sets the interest rate quarterly; it is currently between 8 and 10 percent per year, depending on the quarter. This rate applies whether you have an extension or not.
The failure-to-pay penalty is 0.5 percent of your unpaid tax per month (or part of a month), up to 25 percent total. An extension stops this penalty from growing, which is one reason to request one if you know you cannot pay on time. Without an extension, the penalty keeps climbing every month you do not pay.
The failure-to-file penalty is separate and applies only if you do not file your return by the deadline. It is 5 percent per month, up to 25 percent. If you file on time but pay late, you only owe the failure-to-pay penalty, not the failure-to-file penalty.
If you pay part of what you owe before the extension deadline, interest is calculated only on the remaining balance going forward. Paying $500 of a $2,000 bill before the deadline means you owe interest on $1,500, not $2,000.
Short-term versus long-term extensions
A short-term extension is usually 120 days (four months) and is granted automatically if you request it before your payment deadline. You do not need to explain why. The IRS approves these over the phone or by mail without question.
A long-term extension is anything longer than 120 days, up to a maximum of six months. The IRS requires you to explain your hardship and may ask for documentation — proof of job loss, medical bills, or other evidence that you cannot pay on time. These take longer to process and are not automatic.
If you request an extension after your payment deadline has already passed, the IRS may still grant it, but you will owe additional penalties for the days you were late. Request an extension as soon as you know you cannot pay on time.
What to do if you still cannot pay after the extension ends
If the extension deadline arrives and you still do not have the money, you have options. The most common is an installment agreement, which lets you pay your tax bill in monthly payments over time. You can request this before or after the extension ends.
The IRS offers short-term agreements (120 days or less) and long-term agreements (more than 120 days). Short-term agreements have no setup fee. Long-term agreements charge a fee (usually $31 to $225, depending on how you pay) and require you to make monthly payments, typically for three to six years.
You can request an installment agreement by phone (1-800-829-1040), online through IRS.gov, or by mail using Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request). If you owe less than $50,000, the process is usually straightforward. If you owe more, the IRS may ask for financial information.
Another option is an Offer in Compromise, which lets you settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed. This is much harder to get approved for and requires detailed financial documentation. Most people do not may have access to.
Requesting an extension if you filed electronically
If you filed your tax return electronically and now need a payment extension, you can call the IRS or submit Form 9100 by mail. The IRS does not have a way to request a payment extension online yet, even if you filed online.
Some tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct) can file Form 4868 for you if you have not filed yet. They cannot file Form 9100 for you, so you will need to mail that form or call the IRS.
Keep a copy of any extension request you submit, whether by phone, mail, or software. If the IRS denies your request or there is a dispute later about whether you requested one, you will need proof.
What the IRS needs from you
| Information | Why the IRS needs it |
|---|---|
| Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) | To match your request to your tax account |
| Tax year (2023, 2024, etc.) | To identify which return the extension applies to |
| Filing status (single, married, head of household, etc.) | To verify your identity and locate your account |
| Amount you owe (if known) | To calculate interest and penalties during the extension period |
| Reason for the extension (for long-term requests) | To decide whether to grant extensions longer than 120 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an extension stop interest from building up?
No. Interest runs from the original due date whether you have an extension or not. An extension stops the failure-to-pay penalty from growing, but you still owe interest on the unpaid balance every day until you pay.
Can I get an extension if I already missed the April 15 deadline?
Yes. You can request an extension even after the deadline has passed. However, you will owe penalties for the days you were late. Request one as soon as possible to minimize the additional penalties.
What if I cannot pay even after the extension ends?
You can request an installment agreement to pay over time, usually in monthly payments spread across three to six years. You can set this up before or after the extension deadline. Call 1-800-829-1040 or submit Form 9465 by mail.
Do I still have to file my return by April 15 if I get a payment extension?
Yes. A payment extension does not extend the filing deadline. You must file your return by April 15 (or the next business day). If you need extra time to file, you need a separate filing extension using Form 4868.
How much does it cost to request an extension?
There is no fee to request an extension of time to pay. The IRS does not charge for granting you more time. You will owe interest and penalties on the unpaid tax, but not a separate fee for the extension itself.