This gives you until October 15 to file without penalties. We grant an automatic six-month extension of time to file your return.We automatically grant you a six-month extension of time to file your tax return. Navigate to the IRS website's Free File program. A tax extension gives you an additional six months to file your taxes, with the extension deadline falling on Oct. 15. I already filed my taxes. Taxpayers do have the option of pursuing another extension on their income tax returns, but would have to do so prior to the Oct. The IRS will give taxpayers an automatic extension if they file Form 4868. If you need additional time to file your federal return, you can file for an Automatic Extension of Time to File Your U.S. Tax Return. You can request an extension: Online using IRS Free File; When you pay your estimated tax bill; Using IRS Form 4868.