OVERVIEW. The IRS grants you an automatic six-month extension to file your taxes every year, as long as you complete Form 4868. Traditionally, federal tax returns are due on April 15 or the first business day thereafter.However, the IRS does grant you an automatic six-month extension to file your taxes every year, as long as you complete Form 4868.f you have a death or illness in your family or fall victim to a natural disaster, you may be unable to file on time. While the IRS does not need an explanation when you apply for an extension, there is no reason to prepare your tax return in a rush if other issues keep you from focusing on it.