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IRS.gov Website
Instructions for Form 1040
taxmap/instr/i1040gi-002.htm#en_us_publink_24811vd0e764

When and Where Should You File?(p6)

rule
File Form 1040 by April 15, 2013. If you file after this date, you may have to pay interest and penalties. See Interest and Penalties, later.
If you were serving in, or in support of, the U.S. Armed Forces in a designated combat zone or contingency operation, you may be able to file later. See Pub. 3 for details.
Filing instructions and addresses are at the end of these instructions.
taxmap/instr/i1040gi-002.htm#en_us_publink_24811vd0e792

What if You Cannot File on Time?(p6)

rule
You can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than the date your return is due, you file Form 4868. For details, see Form 4868.
caution
An automatic 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay your tax. If you do not pay your tax by the original due date of your return, you will owe interest on the unpaid tax and may owe penalties. See Form 4868.
If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien, you may qualify for an automatic extension of time to file without filing Form 4868. You qualify if, on the due date of your return, you meet one of the following conditions.
This extension gives you an extra 2 months to file and pay the tax, but interest will be charged from the original due date of the return on any unpaid tax. You must include a statement showing that you meet the requirements. If you are still unable to file your return by the end of the 2-month period, you can get an additional 4 months if, no later than June 17, 2013, you file Form 4868. This 4-month extension of time to file does not extend the time to pay your tax. See Form 4868.
taxmap/instr/i1040gi-002.htm#en_us_publink_24811vd0e829

Private Delivery Services(p6)

rule
You can use certain private delivery services designated by the IRS to meet the "timely mailing as timely filing/paying" rule for tax returns and payments. These private delivery services include only the following.
For the IRS mailing address to use if you are using a private delivery service, go to IRS.gov and enter private delivery service in the search box.
The private delivery service can tell you how to get written proof of the mailing date.

Chart A—For Most People

Chart B—For Children and Other Dependents (See the instructions for line 6c to find out if someone can claim you as a dependent.)

Chart C—Other Situations When You Must File

Where To Report Certain Items From 2012 Forms W-2, 1097, 1098, and 1099

efileIRS e-file takes the guesswork out of preparing your return. You may also be eligible to use Free File to file your federal income tax return. Visit www.irs.gov/efile for details.
If any federal income tax withheld is shown on these forms, include the tax withheld on Form 1040, line 62. If any state or local income tax withheld is shown on these forms and you deduct state and local income taxes on Schedule A, line 5, include the tax withheld in your deduction on that line.