Need more time to file your California taxes? How to request an extension
Tax Day is just around the corner.
Each year, taxpayers across California must file their returns and pay any taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board by mid-April.
In 2026, the deadline to file your 2025 tax return and submit any payment owed is Wednesday, April 15.
“Individuals who cannot file their tax return by April 15 can request an automatic extension of time to file,” the IRS said.
Here’s how to request more time:
Am I eligible for a tax filing deadline extension in California?
Most taxpayers in the United States can request a six-month extension to file their tax returns, according to the IRS.
“This gives you until Oct. 15 to file without penalties,” the IRS said.
Some taxpayers might automatically qualify for an additional two-month extension if they live and work outside the United States and Puerto Rico, or are serving in the military outside those areas.
“If you use a calendar year, the regular due date of your return is April 15, and the automatic extended due date would be June 15,” the IRS said. “If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next business day.”
When do I have to pay my taxes?
An extension gives you more time to file, but not more time to pay, according to the IRS.
You still need to pay any taxes you owe by Wednesday, April 15, to avoid penalties and interest.
“Even if you are allowed an extension, you will have to pay interest on any tax not paid by the regular due date of your return,” the IRS said.
The California Franchise Tax Board automatically allows most California residents and businesses to file state tax returns as late as Oct. 15 without submitting a separate extension request.
However, the same rule applies.
You must still pay what you owe by Wednesday, April 15.
“An extension to file your tax return is not an extension to pay,” the state department said.
How to get an extension for filing your tax return
According to the Internal Revenue Service, there are three ways to request a tax filing extension until Oct. 15:
- Pay online: If you owe taxes, make a payment through an IRS-approved online system by April 15 and select the “extension” option. This tells the IRS you’re paying now but filing later.
- Use IRS Free File: You can request an automatic extension while filing electronically.
- Submit Form 4868: You can complete Form 4868, which is an application for automatic extension, by mail, online or with the help of a tax professional.
