If you want an automatic six-month extension to file your tax return, you can file Form 4868 by April 15^th (April 17^th in 2006). However, you must pay any tax you estimate will be due by April 15 or you may be subject to interest and penalties on overdue taxes. Your actual return would then be due on October 15.

Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

The file is in Adobe portable document format (PDF), which requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

To get a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader software, go to the Adobe web site.

For more information, see our discussion of dealing with the IRS.

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