U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad - Automatic 2 Month Extension of Time to File
You may be allowed an automatic 2-month extension of time to file your return and pay any federal income tax that is due. You will be allowed the extension if you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien and on the regular due date of your return:
- You are living outside of the United States and Puerto Rico and your main place of business or post of duty is outside the United States and Puerto Rico, or
- You are in military or naval service on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico
If you use a calendar year, the regular due date of your return is April 15, and the automatic extended due date would be June 15.
Service In A Combat Zone
If you served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area, see Extension of Deadlines in Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide (PDF).
Married Taxpayers
If you file a joint return, either you or your spouse can qualify for the automatic extension. If you and your spouse file separate returns, this automatic extension applies only to the spouse who qualifies.
How To Get The Extension
To use this automatic 2-month extension, you must attach a statement to your return explaining which of the two situations listed earlier qualified you for the extension.
