FEDERAL · IRS
Request more time to file
Use Form 4868 to request an extension. Pay any estimated federal balance by the original deadline and keep proof of both the request and the payment.
IRS extension instructions ↗OC TAX FILING · ORANGE COUNTY
Tax Extension Filing in Orange County
Missing a tax document? We help Orange County individuals request a federal filing extension and estimate federal and California payments separately. Work with us in Costa Mesa or remotely, then set a date to finish your return.
HOW WE HELP
Separate the filing deadline from the payment deadline
An extension gives you more time to finish your return. It generally does not give you more time to pay. We use the figures you have to estimate the balance after withholding and payments you already made.
For a federal individual return, we can prepare Form 4868 when appropriate. California generally grants individuals an automatic filing extension without an application. We check federal and state payment needs separately.
WHAT WE CAN DISCUSS
- Confirm the tax year and applicable deadline
- Estimate the balance using your available records
- Prepare the agreed federal request and explain how to keep proof of filing and payment
The exact work is confirmed before your preparation begins.
Learn about OC Tax Filing ↗EXTENSION PAYMENTS
What do I pay by the original deadline?
Estimate your federal and California balances separately. For each, subtract withholding and payments you already made.
CALIFORNIA · FTB
Pay the state balance
California’s individual filing extension is automatic. If you owe tax, choose “extension payment” and the correct tax year in Web Pay, or mail your payment with that year’s FTB 3519 voucher. If you owe nothing, skip the voucher.
Already past the extended deadline? Tell us which year you missed and whether you received a notice. See help with unfiled returns.
GET READY
What to bring
for your return.
Use this list as a starting point. We may need other records after learning more about your situation.
Do not send private documents through the contact form. Ask how to share them before sending.
- Latest income statements or year-end pay stubs
- Available business income and expense totals
- Federal and state withholding and estimated payment records
- Previous return and any extension or payment already submitted
PRICING
Know the cost
before we start.
Our tax preparation services start at $125. Your quote for this service depends on the work needed. We confirm the fee and included returns before starting.
We quote the extension work separately from preparing your final return.
Discuss your return ↗AFTER THE EXTENSION
A plan to finish before October
- 01
Set a review date
Write down the filing deadline and schedule your review several weeks earlier. Keep federal and state payment confirmations with your records.
- 02
Follow up on missing forms
List each missing document and who will send it. For example, if you are waiting on a corrected 1099, contact the payer and set a reminder to check back.
- 03
Review and file the return
Match extension payments to the final returns. Review the refund or remaining balance, authorize filing and keep the filing confirmations. You can finish as soon as your records are ready.
Do I need to file a separate form for a California tax extension?
Generally, no. California gives individuals an automatic six-month extension to file. FTB 3519 is a payment voucher for mailing an extension payment, not an extension application. You do not mail the voucher if you pay through Web Pay.
Does a tax extension give me more time to pay?
No. Under the ordinary rules, your estimated unpaid federal and California taxes are due by the original deadline. A late payment can result in interest and penalties even when the return itself is filed on time.
What is the deadline to request an extension and file my return?
For most calendar-year individuals, request the federal extension by the regular April filing deadline and file the completed return by the extended October deadline. For tax year 2025, those dates were April 15 and October 15, 2026. Check the dates for your own tax year; disaster postponements and special filing rules can change them.
What if I cannot pay the full amount?
You can generally still request a filing extension. Paying what you can by the original deadline may reduce interest and penalties.
What if my filing deadline already passed?
Tell us the year and whether you already requested an extension. If your applicable deadline passed without one, we can discuss preparing the outstanding return.
SERVING ORANGE COUNTY
Let’s talk about
your tax return.
Our office is in Costa Mesa, serving clients across Orange County.
Contact us to arrange a visit or ask about remote preparation.