Automatic Tax Filing Extension When Living or Serving Abroad
If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien and are out of the country on your tax return filing due date, you may qualify for an automatic two-month extension to file your return and pay the amount due. This extension does not require filing a separate IRS extension form.
What Does “Out of the Country” Mean?
- You live and your main place of business or post of duty is outside the United States and Puerto Rico.
- You are a member of the military or naval services serving outside the United States and Puerto Rico. If you are serving in a designated combat zone , you are granted an automatic 180-day extension to file and pay any taxes due. Note: the 180-day period begins only after you leave the combat zone.
What You Should Do
If you qualify under the above scenarios, you don’t need to submit IRS Form 4868 for a federal extension. However, you should include a statement with your return explaining why you qualify for the later deadline.
If you are simply traveling abroad on the filing due date but your main residence is in the U.S., you must still file your tax return or request an extension. You can file your extension online quickly at TaxExtension.com .
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