If you are up against the April tax filing deadline and still need some information to complete your tax return, you can obtain a six-month automatic extension to file your 1040.

The filing extension will give you extra time to get the paperwork together, but it does not extend the time to pay any tax due. You have to make an accurate estimate of any tax due and pay at least 90% when requesting an extension. Interest will be owed on any amounts not paid by the April deadline.