Don’t Miss the Tax Filing Deadline
The IRS is generally very strict about filing taxes and paying taxes on time. And the clock is ticking – there are only a few days left until the official deadline of April 15th. If you think filing your returns is a headache, just wait until you’re faced with penalties and interest. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming tax deadlines to help you file your taxes on time in 2025.
Basic information about tax payment deadlines
The standard tax return filing deadline for most individual taxpayers is usually April 15th. However, if you requested an extension earlier this year, your deadline to file your 2024 tax return is October 15, 2025. You can request an extension by April 15th from the IRS here .
This six-month extension gives you additional time to complete your return, but remember: Extending your return filing deadline does not mean extending your payment deadline. If you owe taxes and don’t pay them by the April due date, you will begin to accrue penalties and interest.
Last Minute Submission Options
If you are approaching the April deadline, you have several options for applying:
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Electronic file through the IRS Free File program. With Free File, you file your tax return using managed software through a partner site, which then sends it electronically to the IRS. Available to taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less in 2024.
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Use business tax preparation software . This year I used H&R Block and it was ready in an hour. Check out my guide here to choose between the other popular TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA.
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Hire a tax professional . Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or Enrolled Agents can help with complex returns. Here’s how to make sure your preparer knows what they’re doing.
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File by mail . Although not recommended due to processing delays, you can still file a paper return (postmarked by April 15 or October 15 if you reserved that extension).
What happens if you miss the October deadline?
If you’re reading this in October, you might be in a tough spot. Missing an extended deadline may result in:
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Penalty for failure to provide documents . Typically, this amount is 5% of the amount of unpaid taxes for each month the tax refund is late, up to 25%.
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Continued interest. You will also end up paying interest on any unpaid tax liability, which increases every day.
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Loss of return . If you do not file a claim, you will not receive a refund. Keep in mind that if you end up filing a claim and receiving a refund, you usually have three years to claim it before it expires.
If you can’t meet the October 15 deadline, your options are limited. The IRS generally does not grant additional extensions after October 15, except in fairly specific circumstances:
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Those living outside the US may qualify for an additional extension.
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Military personnel in combat zones receive automatic extensions.
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Those affected by a federally declared disaster may receive additional time.
Tips for those filling out paperwork at the last minute
The most important tip here is: apply even if you can’t pay. Filing your return on time avoids the penalty for failure to file, which is usually higher than the penalty for failure to pay. So, start collecting all the necessary documents such as W-2, 1099, and receipts for deductions and credits. You can also request a payment plan; For those who cannot pay in full, the IRS offers installment agreements.
Looking Ahead: Tax Planning for 2025
Get rid of the current headache that brought you to this article and start using a spreadsheet to keep track of all your tax information throughout the year. I’ve created a basic template to get you started here . The goal is to create a convenient archive of all your tax returns in one place, making it much easier to file on time next year.
Remember that filing a tax return is a legal obligation. Even if you can’t pay the debt, filing your return on time can help minimize penalties and ensure compliance with tax laws. Finally, for specific advice regarding your tax situation, you should indeed consult with a qualified tax professional .