The deadline to file federal income tax returns this year — reporting income earned in 2024 — is April 15, 2025. However, taxpayers who apply for an extension have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file their returns.
If you can’t meet those tax deadlines, now is a good time to explore your tax-filing options. There could be a tax refund waiting for you. Or, if you owe money, you’ll be on the right side of the IRS, which can save you money in interest and possible penalties.
Can I file an extension?
Taxpayers can file an extension using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File. This form needs to be filed by the due date of your tax return, which is April 15, 2025. Taxpayers receive an automatic extension of six months. You won’t be notified unless your request is denied.
The challenging thing about filing an extension is that, while it gives you more time to file, it doesn’t give you more time to pay your tax bill. You must pay your estimated income tax when you file Form 4868 to avoid interest and penalties.
Taxpayers who live outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico can get an automatic two-month extension (this extension also applies to payment of taxes owed). Also, if you live outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, you can get another four months, as long as you request that extra time by the new due date you were assigned with your original two-month extension.
When are taxes due if I file an extension?
If you file Form 4868 and receive the automatic six-month extension, you have until Oct. 15, 2025 to submit your 2024 tax return. If you miss the tax extension deadline, the next best step is to get your tax return filed as soon as possible, so you can either claim your tax refund or, if you owe money, you can get started on making payments.
If you already know that you’ll need an extension, plan on filing Form 4868 sooner rather than later. That way, if anything goes wrong with your application, you’ll have plenty of time to fix any errors and resubmit it ahead of the April 15 deadline. This also ensures you have time to estimate your tax liability so that you can pay what you owe, as well as time to get your documents together for your extended deadline in October.
When are estimated taxes due?
People who pay estimated taxes, including those who are self-employed or independent contractors, have a slightly different filing schedule than everyone else. If your paycheck doesn’t have income taxes taken out before the money gets to you, then you’re probably required to pay estimated taxes.
Estimated taxes are due four times a year and must be submitted with Form 1040-ES. The 2025 deadlines for paying estimated taxes are as follows:
| Estimated taxes due for 2025: | For income received: |
| April 15, 2025 | Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025 |
| June 16, 2025 | April 1 – May 31, 2025 |
| Sept. 15, 2025 | June 1 – Aug. 31, 2025 |
| Jan. 15, 2026 | Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025 |
These were the deadlines for paying estimated taxes in 2024:
| Estimated taxes due for 2024: | For income received: |
| April 15, 2024 | Jan. 1 – March 31, 2024 |
| June 17, 2024 | April 1 – May 31, 2024 |
| Sept. 16, 2024 | June 1 – Aug. 31, 2024 |
| Jan. 15, 2025 | Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2024 |
If you’re an employee who earns tips, you’re required to report all your monthly tip earnings to your employer by the 10th of the following month. Your employer is responsible for sending those numbers to the IRS, as well as for adjusting how much money comes out of your paycheck to satisfy your tax withholding on tips.
When is the last day to file taxes?
Technically, the last day to file taxes this year is April 15, or Oct. 15 if you file an extension. But if you end up missing those deadlines, you still have options:
- If you’re expecting a refund, file your tax return as soon as possible to claim your money. Generally, taxpayers have three years from the due date of the return to claim a tax refund. You may qualify for refundable tax credits such as the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit, which could mean a refund for you.
- If you owe a tax bill, your best bet is taking steps now to file your return and start making payments toward that debt, because interest and penalties are accruing. The IRS offers a variety of payment options, including payment plans if you can’t pay in full right away.
When was Tax Day in 2024?
In 2024, federal income tax returns were due by April 15, 2024. Filers who filed an extension in 2024 had until Oct. 15, 2024, to file their returns. You should file your 2023 income tax return as soon as possible if you haven’t filed yet. By filing a past due tax return, you will reduce any late penalties and interest charges.
When were taxes due if I filed an extension in 2024?
Your 2023 federal income tax return was due by Oct. 15, 2024 if you filed Form 4868 and received the automatic six-month extension. If you missed this deadline or didn’t file an extension, file your tax return as soon as possible.
If you owe money, the sooner you file, the sooner you can reduce penalties and interest accruing on the unpaid balance. If a tax refund is owed to you, you must file a tax return within 3 years of the return due date to claim it, or you risk forfeiting it.
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