An extension to file is not an extension to pay the tax. Any taxes paid after the April 15, 2026 may be subject to penalties and interest. By filing an extension, you can avoid a penalty for late filing, which can be 5% per month of the tax due, or more.
Have you started preparing your return? If you have entered most of your information and are just, for example, waiting on a missing form, you can probably make a good guess based on your results so far and the withholding and any estimated taxes you have paid.
If you haven't started preparing your return, look at last year's return. Line 24 of the 2024 From 1040 shows your total tax. If you pay in at least that much by April 15th, including your withholding, you should be able to avoid penalties and interest in most cases.
You can make the payment with the extension, or you can pay directly online to IRS.
Check your state rules, if applicable. Each state may have different rules about extensions and late filing.
See this tax tips article for more information about filing an extension.
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