You know it’s tax season when your Twitter and Facebook feed are filled with “tax extension” and “when are taxes due”. If you have questions about the 2025 tax deadline, IRS extensions, and how to file on time, you’ve come to the right place. This FAQ-style guide answers all your burning questions in a clear, concise way, based on the latest information available. Whether you’re wondering about the last day to file taxes in 2025 or how to request an IRS extension, we’ve got you covered.
When are taxes due in 2025?
For most U.S. taxpayers, federal income taxes for the 2024 tax year are due on April 15, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. local time. This applies to individual income tax returns (Form 1040) and any taxes owed. If you live in a state with income tax, the state deadline is often April 15, 2025, but check with your state’s Department of Revenue for specifics.
Note: Certain states, like Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, have extended deadlines to May 1, 2025, due to natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Kentucky has an even later deadline of November 3, 2025, for those affected by flooding.
Tip: File electronically with direct deposit in order to get refunds within 21 days and reduce taxing errors.
When is Tax Day in 2025?
Tax Day is the official deadline for filing federal income tax returns and paying any taxes owed. In 2025, Tax Day is Tuesday, April 15, for most taxpayers. However, if you’re in a federally declared disaster area, your Tax Day may be extended automatically (see “Who Qualifies for Automatic Tax Extensions in 2025?” below).
When is the last day to file taxes in 2025?
The last day to file your 2024 federal tax return without penalties is April 15, 2025, unless you request an extension or qualify for an automatic extension. With an extension, the filing deadline moves to October 15, 2025. Keep in mind that extensions only apply to filing, not paying taxes owed (more on this below).
For those in disaster-affected areas, the last day to file may be May 1, 2025, or later, depending on IRS relief announcements.
What is a tax extension?
A tax extension gives you extra time to file your federal tax return, pushing the deadline from April 15 to October 15, 2025. It’s ideal if you need more time to gather documents or ensure accuracy. The IRS offers an automatic six-month extension through Form 4868, which is free to file and requires no explanation.
How do I file for an IRS tax extension?
Filing for an IRS tax extension is simple and can be done in several ways:
- Use IRS Free File or commercial tax software to submit Form 4868 electronically. You’ll need your name, address, Social Security number, and an estimated tax liability.
- Download Form 4868 from IRS.gov, fill it out, and mail it by April 15, 2025.
- Ask your accountant to file the extension for you.
The deadline to request an extension is April 15, 2025. If you’re in a disaster area with an automatic extension, you may still need to file Form 4868 for additional time beyond May 1.
Does a tax extension extend the payment deadline?
Unfortunately, a tax extension does not extend the deadline to pay taxes owed to the IRS. You must estimate and pay any taxes you owe by April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties and interest. When filing Form 4868, include an estimated payment based on your income, deductions, and credits. If you underpay, you’ll owe interest on the balance, and possibly a late-payment penalty.
Tip: Pay as much as you can by April to minimize penalties. If you can’t pay in full, you can checkout IRS’s payment plans at IRS.gov/payments.
Who qualifies for automatic tax extensions in 2025?
Some taxpayers get automatic extensions without needing to file Form 4868:
- Disaster-Area Taxpayers: Residents and businesses in areas hit by 2024 natural disasters (e.g., Hurricanes Helene and Milton) may have until May 1, 2025, to file and pay. Affected states include:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Parts of Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia
- Juneau, Alaska (flooding)
- Chaves County, New Mexico (storms)
- Kentucky (flooding, extended to November 3, 2025)
Check IRS.gov’s “Around the Nation” page for the full list of qualifying areas.
- Military Personnel: Those serving in combat zones or stationed abroad get an automatic extension, typically two months beyond April 15.
- U.S. Citizens Abroad: If you live and work outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, you get an automatic two-month extension to June 15, 2025, for filing and paying.
What happens if I miss the tax deadline?
Missing the April 15, 2025, deadline without an extension may trigger penalties:
- Failure-to-File Penalty: 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25% maximum.
- Failure-to-Pay Penalty: 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month, also up to 25%.
- Interest: Charged on unpaid taxes at the federal short-term rate plus 3% (rate adjusts quarterly).
If you file for an extension but don’t pay by April 15, you’ll avoid the failure-to-file penalty but may still face the failure-to-pay penalty and interest.
Example: If you owe $5,000 and miss the deadline without an extension, you could face a $250 penalty per month for filing late, plus interest.
How can I avoid penalties when filing taxes?
Who wants to willingly pay penalties? Here’s what you need to do to stay penalty-free:
- In order to file on time or request an extension, you can submit your return or Form 4868 by April 15, 2025.
- You can get an estimate of your tax liability and pay as much as possible by April 15 in order to reduce penalties and interest.
- Use IRS’s free tools such as the IRS Free File and Direct File in order to file accurately and on time.
- If you’re living in a disaster area, you can confirm your extended deadline on IRS.gov.
- Apply for an IRS payment plan to spread out payments if you can’t pay in full right now.
Tip: File electronically with direct deposit in order to get refunds within 21 days and reduce taxing errors.
When can I get help filing my taxes?
If you need assistance, you may try these free or low-cost options:
IRS free file: For taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less, use Free File to prepare and file federal returns at no cost.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): It offers free tax prep for those earning $64,000 or less, people with disabilities, or limited English speakers.
Tax counseling for elderly (TCE): It helps taxpayers 60 and older. Call 800-906-9887 to locate a TCE site.
IRS direct file: It’s a pilot program in select states (e.g., New York) and lets eligible taxpayers file simple returns directly with the IRS.
Local tax professionals: When all else fails, you can always hire a trusted CPA or enrolled agent.
With the 2025 tax deadline fast approaching, understanding when taxes are due and how the IRS tax extensions work is the key to avoiding unnecessary stress. For most, April 15, 2025 is the due date, but disaster-area extensions to May 1 or later and IRS’s Form 4868 offer flexibility. File early, pay what you can, and use IRS’s tools to stay on track.
Still got questions? Visit IRS.gov for the latest updates, or comment below and we’ll help clarify.
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