Not able to do your taxes in time? April 15th came up faster than we all thought. For those of you who aren’t quite ready, here is how to file a tax extension.

1. How Do I File a Tax Extension Myself?

You may go to the official IRS Free File Option and choose to file an extension. Those of you with an Adjusted Gross Income of less than $89,000 for individuals can you the guided tax software option. You are required to answer a few questions, but are “guaranteed” accurate math calculations, and can even file in Spanish. You may also use the Fillable Forms option for any income level. This is where you enter your information online. You will have until October 15th of this year to properly file your taxes once your extension is accepted.

Did you know? Approximately 19 million Americans file for a tax extension each year? Source: OCCAMS

2. What if I Don’t File a Tax Extension?

The IRS will eventually find out that you should have filed taxes and for what year. Your employer, state, and other sources will report any income you may have received. Once it’s checked in the system, the IRS will not find your corresponding return and take action. This action can include anything from:

  • Introductory letters urging you to file, especially if you owe them.
  • Warning letters urging you to file including penalties, fees, and any interest due.
  • Warning letters to notify you of an upcoming date in tax court where the IRS intends to collect.
  • Final warning letters with options that can include wage garnishment, property seizure, and more.

However, you may be due a two month or other extension for filing taxes if you qualify for the following scenarios:

1. Those living outside the U.S. may qualify if they are a U.S. citizen or resident alien and were living outside of the country.
2. You may also qualify if you were affected by a recognized disaster situation. For example, Texas residents who suffered severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding on or around Feb 2, 2026 may be exempt. You may click here to get the full IRS list by hear for disaster exemptions.

3. Should I Use a Bookkeeper to File for a Tax Extension?

Have you who have successfully filed for a tax extension before? If you are comfortable with section #1 of this blog feel free to do so yourself. Those of you who waited until the last minute should turn to a professional in order to do so correctly.

How to File a Tax Extension in Houston

Do you want to make sure you file your tax extension correctly and live in the Houston area? Contact us as soon as possible to get your tax extension in on time and correctly.