Can I Get an Extension to Pay My Taxes?

A filing extension gives you more time to file your return but does not give you more time to pay. You must still pay your estimated tax liability by April 15 to avoid the failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% per month. If you can't pay in full, pay as much as you can by April 15 — this reduces the penalty and interest that accrues on the unpaid balance. For a short-term cash flow issue, the IRS's 180-day short-term payment plan allows you to pay in full within 180 days without formal enrollment. For longer-term issues, apply for an installment agreement.