(WAND) – The clock is ticking to file taxes before the April 15 deadline. If you’re worried you won’t be done in time, you can file for an extension.

If you file for an extension before April 15, an extension will give you six months to complete your tax return. You do not need to provide proof of hardship for an automatic tax filing extension.

If you file an extension, it will not affect your tax return, but Liberty Tax Services tax preparer Tricia Harmon said it could affect how much you owe.

“An extension is just to be able to file your taxes. If you owe the IRS, you will still owe penalties, late fees and the whole gamut. So it’s better if you’re going to owe to get it done ahead of time to not have those penalties piling up,” she said.

The extension will give you until Oct. 15 to complete your tax return, but Harmon said it’s best to get it in as soon as possible.