going to miss the filing deadline, you can get an automatic extension simply by asking. The extension is now good for six months, until Oct. 16. In the past, you could get an automatic four-month extension and then have to explain why you needed an extra two months. But be clear, a filing extension is not a payment extension. You still have to pay an estimate of the taxes you owe on time, and you’ll face interest as well as penalties on any shortfall.