Waiting until the last minute to file your taxes? Here’s what the IRS recommends

Paperwork and filing tax returns and other official official documents is a chore that none of us enjoy doing but something that has to be done. As we approach this year’s tax deadline, there will be some people who, for one reason or another, haven’t got around to doing theirs.

It’s important to do so - taxpayers who do not file their tax return or request an extension by the deadline could be hit with penalties - even if they are due a refund. The IRS can impose the minimum failure-to-file penalty if more than 60 days have passed from the filing deadline.

When is the 2025 tax deadline?

For most US taxpayers, the deadline to submit a federal income tax return to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is Tuesday 15 April 2025.

With just just two days left until the deadline, it is probably now too late to file a return by post, which is why the IRS urges those who have yet to file to use its online filing tools and support programs to reduce the risk of common errors and to ensure timely processing. An return filed online is less likely to encounter processing delays than a paper return sent by post.

File your return online or request an extension

IRS.gov has everything required for individual and business taxpayers to file on time, for free - or get an easy, automatic six-month extension to file.

IRS Free File allows taxpayers to prepare and file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software.

IRS Direct File is a web-based service that allows taxpayers to file directly with the IRS. The service is free, fast and a simple and easy way to file directly with the IRS. Direct File works on mobile phones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers and is available for an estimated 32 million taxpayers in 25 states.

IRS Direct File is available through October 15, 2025. Taxpayers who are not ready to file by April 15, 2025, can still use it - as long as they request an extension by April 15.

An extension gives you until October 15 to file your federal tax return. Note that the extension is only for filing your return. To avoid penalties, file the extension and pay any balance due by the April 15 deadline.

If you have filed your return and want to keep up-to-date about your tax refunds, consult the Where’s My Refund? tool.

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