I forgot to include my spouse's Social Security Number on my Tax Extension Request Form (4868). We file jointly. What should I do?

[GeoffreyG · Accepted solution]

In a case such as this, we would simply recommend that you file another (free) extension request . . . this time including your spouse's information.  In other words, there is no harm (or cost) in doing so -- and this action would absolutely ensure that your spouse is covered by the requested extension period as well as you.

If you've already completed the Form 4868 request in TurboTax, or e-filed it through some other service, then you may encounter some kind of "block" or other "restriction" from filing a second Form 4868, through that same method.  In such an instance, you can simply download the actual Form 4868, print just Page 1, complete the short form request by hand, and then mail it.

That would be a method to bypass any electronic issue that may otherwise cause you inconvenience.  The IRS will not penalize you in any way for sending more than one extension request, so don't worry at all about that.

Here is a courtesy link to Form 4868, in case you need it:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf

Again, it is only the bottom of the very first page that would need mailing (the rest is informational or instructional).

Thank you for asking this question.