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IRSOther IRS Forms (4000–6999)

Official form guide

Form 6118: 6118

IRS Form 6118 is the Application for Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due. Use it when you need extra time beyond the regular deadline to pay a tax liability.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 6118 - 6118

IRS Form 6118 is the Application for Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due. Use it when you need extra time beyond the regular deadline to pay a tax liability.

The form captures the taxpayer’s identification, the tax year, the amount owed, the requested extension period, and any payment or payment plan details.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A missing signature will automatically reject the extension request.
  • 2Incorrect tax year entered
  • 3Missing signature or date
  • 4Requesting an extension longer than allowed (max 6 months)
  • 5Failing to attach a payment or payment‑promise statement

Plain English

If you owe taxes but can’t pay by the usual due date, this form asks the IRS for a short extension. It doesn’t extend the filing deadline, only the payment deadline, and may require a payment or a promise to pay.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2018-07-31 23:00:31
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

identificationliabilitypaymentperiod

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you owe tax and need extra time to pay.
  • Do not use to extend the filing deadline; use Form 4868 for that.
  • If you qualify for a hardship extension, check Form 1127 instead.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Filing late without extension

Corrects the original return

✓ Verify the original return is complete

Form 1040‑X

Hardship payment request

Applies for penalty relief due to hardship

✓ Confirm eligibility criteria

Form 1127

Automatic extension of filing deadline

Extends filing date, not payment

✓ Use only for filing, not payment

Form 4868

Deadline or filing window

The extension request must be received by the original tax‑payment deadline (generally April 15). If received after that date, the IRS will likely deny the request and assess penalties. No separate deadline is published beyond the standard payment due date.

  • —Balance due | sum of tax liability - payments/credits | Total owed | Verify with your tax return

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer identification

Social Security Number or EIN · Top of the form

⚠ Typos cause rejection✕ High
2

Tax year

Calendar year of liability · Part I

⚠ Wrong year leads to processing error✕ Medium
3

Amount owed

Tax return balance · Worksheet attached

⚠ Miscalculation adds interest✕ High
4

Payment or promise to pay

Check, money order, or signed statement · Attachment

⚠ Missing payment may be denied✕ Medium
5

Signature

Handwritten signature · Bottom of form

⚠ Unsigned form is invalid✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Confirm the correct edition year is used
  2. 2Verify taxpayer name and SSN/EIN match the tax return
  3. 3Enter the correct tax year
  4. 4Calculate the exact balance due
  5. 5State the requested extension period (max 6 months)
  6. 6Attach a payment or signed promise to pay
  7. 7Sign and date the form
  8. 8Use the correct IRS mailing address for your state
  9. 9Include a cover letter referencing Form 6118
  10. 10Make a copy for your records
  11. 11Check postage and delivery method
  12. 12If e‑filing, confirm acceptance receipt

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 6118 PDF from IRS.gov
  2. 2Print or fill electronically ensuring legibility
  3. 3Complete Part I with personal info and tax year
  4. 4Enter the amount owed and requested extension period
  5. 5Attach a payment or signed promise to pay statement
  6. 6Sign, date, and double‑check all entries
  7. 7Mail to the address listed for your state or submit via approved e‑file channel

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not extend filing deadlines; separate form required
  2. 2Maximum extension period is six months, not unlimited
  3. 3IRS may still assess interest and penalties during the extension
  4. 4No electronic filing for all states; verify availability
  5. 5Instructions may change annually; always use the current edition

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
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Current form status
IRS

Form 6118 is still active for the 2024 tax year. The IRS updates the instructions annually; verify the edition date before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the 2024 revision
  • Fee – no filing fee, but a payment or promise to pay may be required
  • Mailing address – use the address for your state in the instructions
  • Signature line – ensure you sign and date
  • Electronic filing option – check IRS e‑file availability

Form Preview

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Quick Facts

Taxpayers who owe a balance and need more time to pay file this form.
The form captures the taxpayer’s identification, the tax year, the amount owed, the requested extension period, and any payment or payment plan details.
File before the original tax‑payment deadline (usually April 15) to request the extension; late filing may be denied.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions for the taxpayer’s state or submit electronically if the IRS e‑file system supports it.
Errors can lead to denial of the extension, additional penalties, or interest accruing on the unpaid balance.
1. Gather your tax return, balance due, and any payment you can make now. 2. Fill out Part I with personal info and the tax year. 3. State the amount you owe and the extension period you request. 4. Attach a payment or a signed promise to pay. 5. Sign, date, and mail or e‑file before the payment deadline.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep a copy of the submitted form and any payment receipt
  2. 2Record the mailing date or e‑file confirmation number
  3. 3Monitor your IRS account for acceptance or denial notices
  4. 4Pay any remaining balance before the new deadline
  5. 5Track accrued interest and penalties
  6. 6Update your tax calendar with the new payment due date
  7. 7If denied, review the reason and consider filing Form 1127

Sources

  • SRCForm 6118 title and purposeIRS official form description
  • SRCExtension request must be filed before payment deadlineIRS instructions
  • SRCMaximum six‑month extensionIRS guidelines
  • SRCNo filing feeIRS fee schedule
  • SRCSignature requirementForm 6118 instructions
  • SRCMailing addresses by stateIRS instructions page
  • SRCElectronic filing optionIRS e‑file documentation
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceexact e‑file availability for all states

Common confusion points

Extension vs. filing deadline

People think Form 6118 extends filing

→ Verify you need a payment extension only

Maximum extension length

Some assume unlimited time

→ Confirm six‑month limit

Payment required

Some think no payment needed

→ Attach at least a promise to pay

Electronic filing availability

Not all states support e‑file

→ Check IRS instructions for your state

Correct mailing address

Addresses differ by state

→ Use the address in the current instructions

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 1040 – determines tax liability

Current

6118

After

Form 1127 – if you need hardship penalty relief

Often used with

Form 4868 – if you also need a filing extension

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 1040‑X – to amend the original return

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Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

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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.
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