April 15, 2004 is the due date for filing your 2003 Federal individual income tax return, if your tax year ends December 31st. Your return is considered filed timely if the envelope is properly addressed and postmarked no later than April 15, 2004. If you use a fiscal year (which is a year ending on the last day of any month other than December), your return is due by the 15th day of the fourth month after the close of your fiscal year.

To receive an automatic 4–month extension of time to file your return you can either file a paper Form 4868 (PDF) or use an electronic payment method by the due date of your return. For more information, refer to the Form 4868 Instructions (PDF).

Additional time beyond the automatic 4–month extension is granted only for very good reasons. You may apply for an extension beyond the automatic 4–month extension either by writing a letter to the IRS or by filing Form 2688 (PDF). However, an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. You will owe interest on any past–due tax and you may be subject to a late–payment penalty if payment is not made timely.

If you are a United States citizen or resident alien, whose home and main place of business or post of duty is outside the United States and Puerto Rico on the due date of your return, you are allowed an automatic extension until June 15, 2004, to file your return and pay any tax due for 2003. This also applies if you are in military or naval service on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico.

If you use this automatic extension, you must attach a statement to your return showing that you met the requirements for the extension on the due date of your return. Refer to Topic 304 for more information about extensions.

When filing your return, use the peel–off label that is included in your tax package. Check the label to be sure the information is correct. Make any corrections or additions right on the label. If you did not receive a tax return package with a label, print or type your name, address and social security number in the spaces provided. If you are filing Form 1040EZ (PDF), you must print this information. Be sure the social security number is the same number listed on your social security card. If you have changed your name you should notify the Social Security Administration at 1–800–772–1213 before you file your return.

If a joint return is filed, both husband and wife must sign the return. If your spouse cannot sign because of disease or injury and requests that you sign the return, sign your spouse's name in the proper place followed by the word "by" your signature, followed by the word "husband" or "wife". Be sure to also sign in the space provided for your signature. In addition, you must attach a statement that includes the form number of the return you are filing, the tax year, the reason your spouse cannot sign the return, and that your spouse has agreed to your signing for him or her. If you are the guardian for your spouse who is mentally incompetent, you may sign the return for your spouse, as guardian.

If your spouse cannot sign the return for any other reason, you may sign it only if you are given a valid power of attorney. The document granting you power of attorney should be attached to the return when it is filed. Form 2848 (PDF), Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, may be used for this purpose.

If you are filing a return for a minor child who cannot sign the return, sign the child's name followed by the word "by", your signature, and your relationship, such as "parent" or "guardian of minor child".

For information on signing a return for a decedent, refer to Topic 356.

Be sure to attach the Form W–2 and the Form 1099R that show Federal income tax withheld to the front of the return. If you are filing Form 1040 (PDF), be sure to attach all related schedules and forms behind your return in order of the sequence number located in the upper right hand corner of the schedule or form.

If you owe tax, make your check or money order payable to the United States Treasury, and enclose it with your return. On the front of your check or money order, please show your name, address, social security number, daytime phone number, the tax year and type of form you are filing (for example, "2003 Form 1040"). Do not mail cash with your return. You can also use a credit card to pay the tax due by calling 1–800–2paytax (1–800–272–9829). Refer to your form instructions for more information.

If you cannot pay the amount owed with the return, refer to Topic 201, The Collection Process, for more information.

Mail your return to the address given in the tax form instructions for the area where you live. If possible, use the pre–addressed envelope that came with your booklet. If you are mailing payment or owe tax, follow additional instructions in your tax package.

You may want to file electronically! When you file electronically, you usually receive your refund within 3 weeks after the IRS has received your return, even faster if you have it directly deposited into your checking or savings account. Many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing of tax returns in addition to their return preparation services. A fee may be charged. For more information on electronic filing, refer to Topic 252.