INSTRUCTIONS: APPLICATION FOR AUTOMATIC SIX-MONTH EXTENSION OF TIME TO FILE MASSACHUSETTS INCOME TAX RETURN (Form M-4868)

Massachusetts residents who need more time to file their individual tax return may apply for an automatic six-month extension as long as they have paid their tax bill in full by the due date. Those who owe no tax or who owe more than $5,000 are required to submit this form online. Otherwise, you may print out this document from the website of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and complete it by hand. This article concerns the form for the 2011 tax year.

Application For Automatic Six-Month Extension Of Time To File Massachusetts Income Tax Return M-4868 Step 1: The top of the page is a worksheet that is for your records. You will need to complete a Form 1 (individual tax return) or Form 1-NR/PY (for part-time or non-resident filers) to determine how much you owe. Enter this amount on line one.

Application For Automatic Six-Month Extension Of Time To File Massachusetts Income Tax Return M-4868 Step 2: Enter the amount of Massachusetts income tax withheld from your wages on line two. If there was any overpayment from 2010, enter this on line three.

Application For Automatic Six-Month Extension Of Time To File Massachusetts Income Tax Return M-4868 Step 3: Enter your estimated tax payments already made, if any, on line four. Enter all credits from Form 1 or Form 1-NR/PY on line five.

Application For Automatic Six-Month Extension Of Time To File Massachusetts Income Tax Return M-4868 Step 4: Add lines two through five. Enter the result on line six, then subtract this from line one to determine the amount due. Enter this on line seven.

Application For Automatic Six-Month Extension Of Time To File Massachusetts Income Tax Return M-4868 Step 5: Detach the actual form on the dotted line. Enter your name, address and Social Security number. If filing with your spouse, give their Social Security number as well.

Application For Automatic Six-Month Extension Of Time To File Massachusetts Income Tax Return M-4868 Step 6: Enter the end date for the period you are filing for and the amount of the check attached.

Application For Automatic Six-Month Extension Of Time To File Massachusetts Income Tax Return M-4868 Step 7: Indicate with a check mark which tax form you plan on filing. Sign and date the form.