Alabama does not require a federal extension — or any extension form at all — for individuals to get more time on their state return. Every individual taxpayer receives an automatic six-month extension to file Form 40 or Form 40NR, pushing the filing deadline from April 15 to October 15.1Alabama Administrative Code. Rule 810-3-27-.03 Extension of Time for Filing of Individual Taxpayer’s Return Whether or not you filed IRS Form 4868 has no bearing on your Alabama extension; the state grants it unconditionally.2Alabama Department of Revenue. Can I Apply for an Extension to File My Return?
No Form, No Federal Extension Needed
Alabama Administrative Code Rule 810-3-27-.03 gives every individual filer six extra months to submit a return, with no application required.1Alabama Administrative Code. Rule 810-3-27-.03 Extension of Time for Filing of Individual Taxpayer’s Return You do not send a paper request, submit anything through My Alabama Taxes, or attach a copy of your federal extension. The extension applies regardless of your federal filing status.2Alabama Department of Revenue. Can I Apply for an Extension to File My Return?
This is a meaningful difference from the IRS, which requires an active request. To get federal extra time, you must file Form 4868 by the April deadline, either electronically through IRS Free File or tax software, by mailing the paper form, or by making a federal payment through IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS and designating it as an extension payment.3Internal Revenue Service. Here’s How Taxpayers Can File an Extension for More Time to File Their Federal Taxes A timely Form 4868 extends your federal filing deadline to October 15.4IRS.gov. Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
If you want extra time on both returns, file Form 4868 with the IRS and do nothing with Alabama. The state extension is already in place.
The Extension Covers Filing, Not Payment
Extra time to file is not extra time to pay. There is no extension for payments in Alabama. If you expect to owe, the full balance is due by the original April 15 deadline, and paying after that date triggers penalties and interest for failure to pay on time.5Alabama Department of Revenue. Form 40V – Alabama Individual Income Tax Payment Voucher If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
The federal rule works the same way. The IRS expects at least 90 percent of your total tax liability paid by April to avoid a failure-to-pay penalty, with the remainder due by October 15.6Internal Revenue Service. Get the Facts About Late Filing and Late Payment Penalties If you owe both authorities, plan to cover both by April 15.
How to Pay Alabama by April 15
If you are mailing a check or money order, send it with Alabama Form 40V, the Individual Income Tax Payment Voucher, available on the Department of Revenue website.7Alabama Department of Revenue. Individual Income Tax Filing Information Check the box labeled “Automatic Extension Payment” so the payment is applied correctly, enter your Social Security Number, the tax year, and the amount. Make the check payable to the Alabama Department of Revenue, write your Social Security Number on it, and mail the voucher and payment loose in the envelope rather than stapled.5Alabama Department of Revenue. Form 40V – Alabama Individual Income Tax Payment Voucher
Paying electronically is simpler. If you use e-check, credit card, or ACH debit, you do not need Form 40V at all. The voucher is only required when paying by check or money order.5Alabama Department of Revenue. Form 40V – Alabama Individual Income Tax Payment Voucher My Alabama Taxes handles payments and later lets you confirm the payment was posted to the correct tax period.8Alabama Department of Revenue. FAQ Categories / Tax: My Alabama Taxes
Filing the Return Before October 15
Once your W-2s, 1099s, and other documents are in hand, file your completed Form 40 (resident) or Form 40NR (nonresident or part-year resident) before October 15. You can file on paper or electronically, and every Alabama taxpayer can use My Alabama Taxes to file and pay at no cost.9Alabama Department of Revenue. Individual Income Tax Electronic Filing Options
If you file a paper return and still owe a balance when you file, include Form 40V with your payment in the envelope. If you already paid in full by April 15, mail the return without a voucher.7Alabama Department of Revenue. Individual Income Tax Filing Information