I am trying to file extension via direct pay but under list of reasons it does not show extension as one of the reasons.

[curious4913]

On form 4868 I found that one can use direct pay to get extension without filing 4868 but when I went to this IRS webpage -

https://directpay.irs.gov/directpay/payment?execution=e1s1

Under reason for payment I don't see 'extension' as one of them.

When I click this link - https://www.irs.gov/payments/available-payment-types-for-irs-direct-pay

it shows 

• Use IRS Direct Pay to make a full or partial payment on your taxes in order to receive an extension without having to file Form 4868.

So I am confused if I pay via direct pay - do I get extension or its too late ..it had to be filed before May 17?

[Mike9241]

it's too late it had to be filed before May 18. if you paid all the taxes owed before that date there will be no penalty unless the IRS changes (or you file an amended return) your return and that increases your taxes.

[curious4913]

Actually I made a mistake - I am asking about a  US taxpayer living abroad so deadline for them with automatic extension is 15th June.

So my question is - if we pay make a partial payment via direct pay before 15th June - do we get extension until 15th Oct without filing 4868?

I repeat ..I made a mistake..I am talking about a taxpayer who is living abroad for more than 2 years.

[fanfare]

Even if you are "outside the US",

according to the instructions, you must have filed Form 4868 before April 15th.

You can read the instructions for yourself.

If you file the form, IRS will contact you if (when)  your request is denied.

[curious4913]

Well regular due date for all taxpayers outside or within is May 17th but extended due date (with automatic 2 month extension ) it is 15th June for taxpayers outside USA.

Also, I checked publication 54 and page no. 4 it says - you can file via mail or via tax software efile or efile via debit card/credit card.

I checked debit/credit card option( to avoid mailing or signing with software provider)

I found they have an option for payment for 4868 ..I think that is my answer ..I should choose that option.

What do you think?

[curious4913]

I checked Pub. 54 - Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad

and on page 4 I found following. ......

If you can not file your return within the automatic 2-month
extension period, you can generally get an additional 4 months to file your return, for a total of
6 months. The 2-month period and the 6-month period start at the same time. You have to re-
quest the additional 4 months by the new due date allowed by the 2-month extension.

So to my understanding we can still file 4868 before June 15th ..correct me if am wrong.

Now question is ..what is the best way to file this...

IRS does not clearly say options when you file for extension during 2 months automatic extension ..

So I assume same options apply that were available before regular due date and those are 

1. File 4868 via mail and send estimated payment via check or money order.

2. Efile 4868 via tax preparer software (but they want you to sign up and give personal details to create ac with them)and pay via bank account.

3. Pay via debit/credit card by choosing one of those 3 processors...I think this is the best solution despite you have to pay little fees ..

Can you please confirm ..that my choice is the best solution? Also among 3 options 

1. ACI payments 2. payusatax 3. pay1040 - which one you would suggest me to use?

I checked all of them ..they have option to pay for 4868 automatic extension.

[fanfare]

[removed by me]

[fanfare]

Pub 54 Page 4

"You have to request the additional 4 months by the new due
date allowed by the 2-month extension"

According to that Pub, you still have time.

[fanfare]

don't forget, regardless, your tax was due in full on or by May 17.

If you are getting a refund, you don't need an extension !