The typical deadline to file a US tax return with the IRS is April 15th. However, there is an automatic extension for US expats filing their taxes from abroad. US citizens must continue filing a U.S. tax return even when they reside outside the US due to citizenship-based taxation.
US citizens and permanent residents living abroad receive an automatic extension for filing and paying any tax shown on their return; this extension runs through June 17th, 2024.
There are also two other extensions available to expats, both of which must be requested. The first extends the automatic June 17th deadline until October 15th. The second extends the October 15th deadline to December 16th.
Still, many US expats need additional time to organize the foreign documents required to settle their US tax filing obligation. This article will break down how to file a free extension.
Save for later: US EXPAT TAXES: HOW TO FILE FROM ABROAD IN 6 SIMPLE STEPS
How to request an expat tax deadline extension
Individual US expat tax filers may E-file their extension request form for the October deadline for free via the IRS website. Using the IRS free file, you can request an automatic tax-filing extension electronically regardless of income.
If October 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next business day.
Extension of time to file, not an extension to pay
An extension is only an extension of time to file, not an extension of time to pay. The IRS interest rate is determined quarterly and is the federal short-term rate plus 3%; interest compounds daily. In a rising interest rate environment, you should be making a reasonable IRS payment with your extension to avoid additional interest rate charges.
Get an extension when you make a payment
You can also get an extension by electronically paying all or part of your estimated income tax due and indicating the payment is for an extension. You can make a same-day payment using online account services.
A payment can be scheduled in one of two ways:
- Direct Pay using the https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-systemhttps://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system or
- with a credit or debit card.
If the indicator is selected when making your payment, you won’t have to file a separate extension form, and you’ll receive a confirmation number for your records.
Working with a professional expat tax preparer?
If you are already working with a tax preparer specialized in US expat taxes, they will likely file an extension on your behalf and may advise you to make an additional tax payment, if required.
Be sure to reach out to them if you are unsure about the status of your extension and to do so well before the deadline.
For comprehensive instructions on submitting an extension, see the Extension of Time To File Your Tax Return on the IRS webpage.
Recommended download: 2023 U.S. EXPAT TAX ORGANIZER (this will help you declare in 2024!)
About the author
Arielle Tucker is a Certified Financial Planner™ and IRS Enrolled Agent with Connected Financial Planning. She’s spent over a decade working with US expats on US tax and financial planning issues. She is passionate about working with US expats and their families to help secure their financial future reflective of their core values. Arielle grew up in New York and has lived throughout the US, Germany, and Switzerland.