Where to submit form 4868 for tax extension - can't find submission portal

Thanks for the quick response! I was trying to use the Free File Fillable Forms but kept getting stuck. Is there a specific button or section I need to click after filling out the form? Also, if I print and mail it, will it arrive in time if I send it tomorrow? The deadline is in 3 days and I'm getting anxious about it.

When using Free File Fillable Forms, after you complete Form 4868, look for the "Submit" or "E-File" button usually located at the top or bottom of the screen. You'll need to have an account set up with them first. Sometimes the button isn't obvious - look for a menu item that says "File" or "Submit Return." If you decide to mail it, it needs to be postmarked by the deadline date, not received by then. So if you mail it tomorrow and get it postmarked, you're fine. Just make sure to go to the post office and have them stamp it rather than just dropping it in a mailbox to be safe. And remember to include payment if you're expecting to owe taxes!

That sounds helpful, but does it actually submit the form for you or just help you understand how to do it? I'm literally on the IRS site right now and completely lost on where to click to submit my extension.

I've never heard of this service before. How does it help with the actual payment part? I think I need to include a payment with my extension but I'm not sure how to calculate it properly.

It doesn't submit the form for you, but it gives you specific instructions for your situation on exactly where to go and what buttons to click on the IRS site. It's like having someone looking over your shoulder and guiding you through each step instead of trying to figure it out yourself. For the payment part, it has a calculator feature that helps you estimate what you might owe based on your information. It gave me a pretty accurate estimate and then provided the direct link to the IRS payment portal where I could submit my payment when filing the extension. Much easier than trying to figure out all the IRS instructions on my own.

Wait, how does this actually work? Does it somehow get you through the IRS phone queue faster? I'm confused about how a third-party service could possibly help with IRS hold times.

This sounds like complete BS honestly. Nothing can get you through the IRS phone system faster. They're notoriously understaffed and everyone has to wait. I'm very suspicious of any service claiming they can magically connect you faster.

It actually does get you through faster. The service uses some kind of technology that waits on hold for you, and when an actual IRS agent picks up, it calls you and connects you directly to the agent. So you don't have to sit there listening to the hold music for hours. I was also skeptical at first, but it really worked. I think they use some sort of automated system that can wait in the queue without a human having to be on the phone. When I got connected to the IRS agent, they answered my questions about Form 4868 submission and helped me verify it was processed correctly. Definitely beats waiting on hold yourself!

Oh really? I have Chase but never noticed that option. Is it something I can find on the mobile app or do I need to login through the website? Also, does it cost anything extra to use it through the bank portal?

You'll need to login through the website, not the mobile app (at least that was my experience). Look under "Tax Services" or sometimes "Additional Services" in the menu. It doesn't cost anything extra - it's basically just a link that takes you to the IRS Free File service, but it sometimes will auto-fill some of your basic info which saves a step.

How do you even estimate what you owe if you haven't done your taxes yet? That's what's confusing me about the whole extension process.