Jason is self$-$employed and knows he will have a balance due on his $2023$ return, but he is unsure how much. He cannot file his tax return by the original due date because he needs more time to locate and organize his tax records. Which of the following actions is most appropriate for Jason?

Jason should calculate his estimated balance due. He should then complete and file Form $4868,$ Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U$.$S$.$ Individual Income Tax Return, and include a payment for the estimated balance due no later than April $15$th$.$ After April $15$th$,$ he should file his return no later than the extension deadline of October $15$th$.$

Jason should estimate what his income and expenses are, file his return, pay the balance due by the original due date of April $15$th$,$ and amend the return later.

Jason should file Form $4868$ by April $15$th to extend his return until October $15$th$.$ After April $15$th$,$ he should file his return and pay his balance due no later than the extension deadline of October $15$th$.$

Since extensions are automatic, Jason is not required to do anything. He can simply file his tax return and pay his balance due by October $15$th$.$