The Standard Deadline
The federal tax filing deadline is April 15 of each year. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
For the 2025 tax year, your return is due by April 15, 2026.
Automatic Extensions
Some taxpayers get an automatic extension without needing to file any paperwork:
- **U.S. citizens and resident aliens living overseas** get an automatic 2-month extension to **June 15** (you must attach a statement explaining you qualify)
- **Military personnel serving in combat zones** receive additional time based on their deployment
Filing an Extension (Form 4868)
If you can't file by April 15, you can request a 6-month extension using Form 4868. This gives you until October 15 to file your return.
Important: An Extension to File Is NOT an Extension to Pay
This is the most common misunderstanding. Filing an extension gives you more time to submit your return, but you still owe any taxes due by April 15. If you don't pay by the original deadline, you'll accrue:
- **Interest** on the unpaid balance
- **Late payment penalties**
How to File an Extension in FileJoy
- Go to **File Your Return**
- Select **File Extension** instead of filing your return
- Estimate your tax liability (FileJoy helps with this based on what you've entered so far)
- Submit Form 4868 electronically
- Make a payment if you expect to owe
Penalties for Filing Late
Late Filing Penalty
If you owe taxes and don't file by the deadline (or extended deadline):
- **5% of unpaid taxes** for each month your return is late
- Maximum penalty: **25%** of unpaid taxes
- Minimum penalty: **$510** (or 100% of tax due, whichever is less) if more than 60 days late
Late Payment Penalty
If you don't pay your taxes by April 15:
- **0.5% of unpaid taxes** per month
- Maximum penalty: **25%** of unpaid taxes
- Interest also accrues on the unpaid balance
Key Takeaway
Filing late is much more expensive than paying late. If you can't pay in full, file on time anyway and pay what you can. The IRS offers payment plans for the rest.
Tips
- Even if you file an extension, try to pay as much as you can by April 15
- If you're owed a refund, there's no penalty for filing late (but why wait?)
- Set a calendar reminder well before the deadline
- FileJoy sends email reminders as the deadline approaches
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