Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.

IRSOther IRS Forms (4000–6999)

Official form guide

Form 4808: 4808

Form 4808 is the IRS request for an automatic 6‑month extension to file certain U.S. tax returns, such as Form 1040‑NR, 1040‑NR-EZ, 1040‑NR‑A, and certain information returns. Use it when you cannot meet the original filing deadline and need extra time to complete the return.

Fillable formOpen in Editor->Download blank PDF

Need help with Form 4808?

Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Form Overview

IRS Form 4808 - 4808

Form 4808 is the IRS request for an automatic 6‑month extension to file certain U.S. tax returns, such as Form 1040‑NR, 1040‑NR-EZ, 1040‑NR‑A, and certain information returns. Use it when you cannot meet the original filing deadline and need extra time to complete the return.

It captures the taxpayer’s name, address, identifying number, the return being extended, the original due date, and the requested extension date.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1An unsigned or late Form 4808 can void the automatic extension and trigger penalties.
  • 2Missing the original filing deadline
  • 3Incorrect taxpayer identification number
  • 4Requesting more than a six‑month extension
  • 5Signing the form with an unauthorized person

Plain English

If you need more time to finish a U.S. tax return, you fill out Form 4808 to ask the IRS for a six‑month extension. The form tells the IRS when you plan to file and confirms you understand any tax due must be paid by the original deadline.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2018-07-18 23:00:06
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

AI co-pilot

Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.

Explains confusing fields in plain English
Flags missing signatures, dates, IDs, and attachments
Keeps the PDF ready for editor, send, and proof flows
Open AI workspace->

Glossary Terms

month

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you need a 6‑month extension for a non‑resident or other eligible return.
  • Do not use for extensions of partnership, corporation, or estate returns.
  • If you need a longer extension or a different type, see Form 4868 or Form 7004.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need to extend a corporate return

Allows up to 6‑month extensions for corporations and partnerships

✓ Verify entity type before filing

Form 7004

Need a 3‑month extension for an individual return

Provides automatic 6‑month extension for U.S. individuals

✓ Not valid for non‑resident returns

Form 4868

Deadline or filing window

The extension request must be filed on or before the original due date of the return you are extending. If filed on time, the extension is automatically granted for up to six months. No separate deadline exists beyond the original filing date.

  • —Original due date | add 6 months | Extension due date | Verify the date does not exceed six months

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer name

Government‑issued ID or prior return · Social Security card, passport

⚠ Misspelled name✕ High
2

Taxpayer ID (SSN/ITIN)

Prior tax documents · Social Security card, ITIN letter

⚠ Transposed digits✕ High
3

Return being extended

Copy of the return form · Form 1040‑NR, etc.

⚠ Selecting wrong form✕ Medium
4

Original due date

Notice of filing deadline · IRS notice or tax calendar

⚠ Wrong year entered✕ Medium
5

Signature

Signed copy of Form 4808 · Physical or electronic signature

⚠ Missing or unauthorized signature✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the 2024 edition of Form 4808
  2. 2Enter the correct taxpayer identification number
  3. 3Select the exact return you are extending
  4. 4Calculate the extension date (max 6 months)
  5. 5Sign and date the form as the taxpayer or authorized representative
  6. 6Attach any required payment for tax due
  7. 7Mail to the address specified for the return type
  8. 8Retain a copy of the signed form and mailing receipt

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the 2024 Form 4808 PDF from IRS.gov
  2. 2Complete the top section with name, address, and SSN/ITIN
  3. 3Enter the specific return code (e.g., 1040‑NR) and original due date
  4. 4Calculate the new filing date, ensuring it is no more than six months later
  5. 5Sign and date the form
  6. 6If paying tax, include a check or electronic payment reference
  7. 7Mail to the correct IRS address or submit electronically if allowed

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not grant extra time to pay tax; interest and penalties may still apply
  2. 2Only applicable to the returns listed in the instructions
  3. 3No electronic filing guarantee for all return types
  4. 4IRS may reject the form if any field is incomplete or illegible

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

General Info

2 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).

Requiredtext
Address

Current mailing address.

Requiredtext

Details

2 items

Required Information

Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.

Requiredtext
Amount (if applicable)

Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.

amount

Certification

1 items

Certification Statement

Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.

Requiredcheckbox

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.

Requiredsignature
This compact map shows typical fields for this form type. The AI Editor gives precise field guidance after you open the PDF.

Almost done reviewing the fields?

Fillable formOpen in Editor->
Current form status
IRS

Form 4808 is currently available in the 2024 edition. Check the IRS website for any updates before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – confirm the form is the 2024 version
  • Fee – no fee for filing Form 4808
  • Mailing address – use the address in the instructions for the specific return type
  • Electronic filing option – verify if the return you’re extending accepts e‑file for extensions
  • Signature line – ensure the correct authorized person signs

Form Preview

Form 4808 page 1

Page 1

Form 4808 page 2

Page 2

Open in AI Editor →

Quick Facts

The taxpayer (or authorized representative) who needs extra time to file the specific return files Form 4808.
It captures the taxpayer’s name, address, identifying number, the return being extended, the original due date, and the requested extension date.
File Form 4808 on or before the original due date of the return you are extending; the extension is automatic if filed on time.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions for the specific return you are extending, or submit electronically if the return’s e‑file system accepts it.
Mistakes can cause the extension to be denied, leaving the return late and potentially subject to penalties and interest.
1. Gather your personal information and the exact return you need to extend. 2. Fill out the top section with name, address, and taxpayer ID. 3. Enter the original due date and the new requested filing date (up to six months later). 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Mail or e‑file it before the original deadline.

Downloads

Blank Form 4808↗

Fill Form 4808

AI-powered guidance for every field

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Free to start / No account required

After you file

  1. 1Keep the signed copy and mailing receipt for at least three years
  2. 2Mark your calendar for the new filing deadline
  3. 3Verify payment of any tax due by the original deadline
  4. 4Monitor IRS correspondence for confirmation of the extension
  5. 5If you receive a notice of rejection, correct the error and re‑file immediately

Sources

  • SRCForm 4808 title and purposeIRS official instructions
  • SRCExtension length of six monthsIRS instructions for Form 4808
  • SRCNo filing feeIRS fee schedule for extension forms
  • SRCEligibility for non‑resident returnsIRS guidance on Form 4808
  • SRCSignature requirementForm 4808 line for taxpayer signature
  • SRCMailing addressesIRS instructions page for Form 4808
  • SRCElectronic filing optionIRS e‑file guidance for extensions
  • SRCPenalty risk for late filingGeneral IRS penalty rules

Common confusion points

Extension length

Some think you can request more than six months

→ Confirm 6‑month maximum

Form choice

Mixing up Form 4808 with Form 4868

→ Use 4808 only for non‑resident or specific returns

Payment due date

Belief that extension also delays payment

→ Tax must be paid by original due date

Electronic filing availability

Assuming all returns accept e‑file for extensions

→ Check the specific return’s e‑file rules

Signature authority

Unsure who can sign

→ Only the taxpayer or an authorized power of attorney

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Gather prior year return or notice of due date

Current

4808

After

File the extended return by the new deadline

Often used with

Payment voucher (Form 1040‑V) if tax is due

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Receive IRS notice, correct and re‑submit Form 4808

Ready to get started?

Upload the form or open it in the AI Editor for intelligent guidance

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Verify current license terms with the source agency before reuse outside this platform.

Never sign without understanding every clause.

BrieflyGo reviews your contracts in plain English — instantly.

Try for free →