Where can I file Form 4868 Online as a Texas resident?
Hey all - first-time filer here needing some help with Form 4868. I just moved to Texas last year and am totally unprepared for filing my taxes on time. I'm thinking I'll need to get an extension but have no clue how to file Form 4868 online. This is my first time ever requesting an extension and I'm kind of stressing about it. Can anyone point me in the right direction for filing this form online? Really appreciate any help! Thanks in advance.
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Ella Cofer
You have several easy options for filing Form 4868 online! The extension gives you until October 15th to file your return (though any taxes owed are still due by the regular deadline). The simplest way is through the IRS Free File program at irs.gov/freefile where most tax software providers will let you e-file an extension for free. Popular options include TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct. You can also use the IRS's own Free File Fillable Forms. If you already use tax software, check if it has an extension filing option - most do. Just log in and look for the extension filing section.
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Kevin Bell
•Do I still need to pay what I think I owe when filing the extension? Or can I just pay everything when I actually file later in October?
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Ella Cofer
•Yes, you should still pay what you estimate you owe by the regular tax deadline. The extension gives you more time to file your paperwork, but not more time to pay. If you don't pay what you owe by the original deadline, you'll face penalties and interest on the unpaid amount. If you can't pay the full amount you owe right now, pay as much as possible to minimize penalties, and consider setting up a payment plan with the IRS when you file.
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Savannah Glover
After struggling with my own extension last year (procrastination got the best of me too!), I found taxr.ai https://taxr.ai super helpful for handling my extension. Unlike other sites that made it complicated, they have a really straightforward system for filing Form 4868. I uploaded my documents, and their AI walked me through estimating what I might owe so I could avoid those nasty penalties. It was pretty cool because it helped me identify some deductions I would have missed that offset what I owed. Much less stressful than my previous extension filing experiences!
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Felix Grigori
•Does taxr.ai actually file the extension for you or just help with figuring out what you owe? I'm confused about what exactly they do vs regular tax software.
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Felicity Bud
•Sounds interesting but I'm a bit skeptical. Is it actually secure? I'm always nervous about uploading my tax docs to random sites.
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Savannah Glover
•They actually handle the extension filing for you through their system - it's integrated with the IRS e-file system so you don't have to go elsewhere after figuring out what you owe. Regarding security, I had the same concern initially. They use bank-level encryption and don't store your documents after processing. I did my research before using them and they have all the security certifications you'd expect. I wouldn't have trusted my tax docs with them otherwise!
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Felicity Bud
Update on my extension filing: I ended up trying taxr.ai after asking about it here. Honestly really impressed with how easy it was! I'm usually super skeptical about these things but their system for Form 4868 was straightforward and actually helped me figure out I was overestimating what I needed to pay with my extension. The document analysis caught some deductions I would have missed and it filed my extension directly with the IRS - got my confirmation in minutes. Definitely less stressful than I expected the process to be!
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Max Reyes
If you're struggling to get help from the IRS about your extension (like I was), try Claimyr https://claimyr.com - they got me through to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes when I had questions about my Texas residency affecting my extension filing. I spent DAYS trying to get through the normal IRS phone line with no luck. Claimyr basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is ready. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent I spoke with walked me through exactly how to file my extension as a new Texas resident and explained what I needed to do about my previous state taxes too. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Mikayla Davison
•How does this actually work? I'm confused - they somehow get you to the front of the IRS phone queue? That sounds too good to be true.
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Adrian Connor
•Yeah right. No way this actually works. The IRS phone system is completely broken - I've tried calling dozens of times this tax season without getting through. If this really worked, everyone would be using it.
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Max Reyes
•It works by using an automated system that continuously calls and navigates the IRS phone tree until it reaches a human agent. Once an agent is on the line, you get a call to connect with them. It's not cutting in line - they're just handling the frustrating waiting and menu navigation. Regarding skepticism, I felt the same way. I was desperate after spending literal days trying to get through. Was shocked when it actually worked as advertised. They can't guarantee an agent will have the answer you need, but they do guarantee getting you connected to a real person. Beats spending hours on hold!
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Adrian Connor
I'm eating my words about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, I tried it because I was absolutely desperate to get IRS clarification about my extension since I moved mid-year. It actually worked! Got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes (which is miraculous compared to my previous attempts). The agent confirmed exactly what I needed to include with my Form 4868 regarding my address change and partial-year residence in Texas. Saved me from making a mistake that probably would have caused headaches later. Sometimes being proven wrong is a good thing!
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Aisha Jackson
Don't forget you can also file Form 4868 through the IRS Direct Pay system if you're making a payment. Just select "extension" as the reason for payment, and you'll get confirmation that serves as your extension filing. I've done this the last 3 years and it's super simple.
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Ryder Everingham
•Will this work if I'm not making a payment? I don't think I'll owe anything, but still need the extension to get my paperwork together.
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Aisha Jackson
•If you don't need to make a payment, then Direct Pay won't work for your situation. In that case, you should use one of the free filing options mentioned above - IRS Free File or one of the tax software programs. Since you don't think you'll owe, just be absolutely certain about that. If you end up owing even a small amount and didn't pay by the regular deadline, you'll face penalties and interest. Many people accidentally underestimate what they owe and get hit with unexpected charges.
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Lilly Curtis
Be careful with estimating what you owe when filing the extension. Last year I thought I wouldn't owe anything, filed the extension without payment, and ended up with penalties when I finally filed and discovered I did owe money. The penalties added up to about $240 on a $1,800 tax bill!
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Leo Simmons
•This is really good advice. Is there a calculator or something to help estimate if you'll owe? I haven't really kept good records this year.
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