Expats have an automatic extension of their tax filing deadine, to June 15th. They can indeed use Form 4868 to extend to Oct 15th beyond that.
I asked ChatGPT how to do this on TurboTax, and this was the response (which worked for me):
Log in → wait for prior year data to load.
Navigate to Tax Home (this may take a few screens where they pitch you on various options. Skip them all until you get to a screen that has the Tax Home button)
Go through "Other Tax Situations".
Scroll down to the full list until you find:
💡"File an extension to get more time to file your taxes"
Indicate that you're living outside the U.S. (very important — this justifies the June 15 window).
Submit electronically.
Even though it's free, TurboTax still routes you through screens that are mostly aimed at people preparing full returns or being upsold — so it can feel like overkill for just filing Form 4868.
It is too late to request an extension via TurboTax. You had to do that by April 15. You could get the form from the IRS site, fill it out and send it by mail.
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf
If you want an extension to June 15, just print your return, file by mail, and attach a written statement explaining your circumstances.
If you want an extension to October 15, you must request that in writing (not electronically). Print a copy of form 4868, complete and sign it, attach a written statement explaining that you are living overseas, and make sure it is mailed (postmarked) by June 15. You may want to use a mailing or express service that has tracking and proof of delivery.
Expats have an automatic extension of their tax filing deadine, to June 15th. They can indeed use Form 4868 to extend to Oct 15th beyond that.
I asked ChatGPT how to do this on TurboTax, and this was the response (which worked for me):
Log in → wait for prior year data to load.
Navigate to Tax Home (this may take a few screens where they pitch you on various options. Skip them all until you get to a screen that has the Tax Home button)
Go through "Other Tax Situations".
Scroll down to the full list until you find:
💡"File an extension to get more time to file your taxes"
Indicate that you're living outside the U.S. (very important — this justifies the June 15 window).
Submit electronically.
Even though it's free, TurboTax still routes you through screens that are mostly aimed at people preparing full returns or being upsold — so it can feel like overkill for just filing Form 4868.