April 15th—the day that haunts procrastinators and unprepared taxpayers alike—is officially known as Tax Day in the United States. It’s the deadline for individuals and businesses to file their federal tax returns with the IRS. Miss it, and you could face penalties, interest, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.
When is Tax Day 2025 and How to Get an Extension from the IRS?
Mark your calendars (or set 10 reminders on your phone): Tax Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Now, you might be wondering, What if April 15th is a weekend or a holiday? Great question! Normally, if Tax Day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the deadline gets bumped to the next business day. However, since April 15, 2025, is a perfectly ordinary Tuesday, there are no extensions unless you request one (we’ll get to that soon).
Who Needs to File Taxes on Tax Day 2025?
If you made money in 2024, chances are, Uncle Sam wants his cut. The following groups are required to file taxes by April 15th:
- Individuals – If you earned above the IRS income threshold for your filing status, you need to file.
- Businesses – Sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, S-corps, and C-corps all have tax filing obligations.
- Self-Employed Individuals – If you made at least $400 in self-employment income, the IRS expects a return.
- Expats – U.S. citizens living abroad still need to report their income, though they may qualify for an automatic extension.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have to file taxes (e.g., your income was below the filing threshold), you might want to! If taxes were withheld from your paycheck, filing a return could get you a refund. Who doesn’t love unexpected money?
What is Tax Day 2025?
April 15th—the day that haunts procrastinators and unprepared taxpayers alike—is officially known as Tax Day in the United States. It’s the deadline for individuals and businesses to file their federal tax returns with the IRS. Miss it, and you could face penalties, interest, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.
When is Tax Day 2025?
Mark your calendars (or set 10 reminders on your phone): Tax Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Now, you might be wondering, What if April 15th is a weekend or a holiday? Great question! Normally, if Tax Day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the deadline gets bumped to the next business day. However, since April 15, 2025, is a perfectly ordinary Tuesday, there are no extensions unless you request one (we’ll get to that soon).
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Who Needs to File Taxes on Tax Day 2025?
If you made money in 2024, chances are, Uncle Sam wants his cut. The following groups are required to file taxes by April 15th:
- Individuals – If you earned above the IRS income threshold for your filing status, you need to file.
- Businesses – Sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, S-corps, and C-corps all have tax filing obligations.
- Self-Employed Individuals – If you made at least $400 in self-employment income, the IRS expects a return.
- Expats – U.S. citizens living abroad still need to report their income, though they may qualify for an automatic extension.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have to file taxes (e.g., your income was below the filing threshold), you might want to! If taxes were withheld from your paycheck, filing a return could get you a refund. Who doesn’t love unexpected money?
What Happens If You Miss the Tax Deadline?
So, you decided to ignore Tax Day and go about your life as if the IRS doesn’t exist? Bold move. But unfortunately, the IRS does exist, and they don’t take kindly to late filers. Here’s what happens if you miss the April 15, 2025 deadline.
IRS Late Filing Penalties
The IRS doesn’t just send you a polite letter when you’re late—they start charging you penalties and interest right away. Here’s what you’re looking at:
- Failure-to-File Penalty: This is the big one. If you don’t file your tax return by April 15, the IRS slaps you with a 5% penalty of your unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%. Ouch.
- Failure-to-Pay Penalty: Even if you file but don’t pay what you owe, you’ll get hit with a 0.5% penalty per month (also capped at 25%).
Fun Fact (That’s Not So Fun): If you’re more than 60 days late, the IRS automatically charges you either $485 or 100% of the tax owed—whichever is smaller (source).
Consequences of Not Filing Your Taxes
Besides owing extra money, failing to file can lead to even bigger headaches:
- Accruing Interest – The longer you wait, the more you owe. The IRS charges interest on both unpaid taxes and penalties.
- Wage Garnishment & Asset Seizure – The IRS has the power to garnish your wages, freeze your bank accounts, and even seize assets to collect unpaid taxes.
- Loss of Refunds – If the IRS owes you money and you don’t file within three years, say goodbye to that refund forever.
- Impact on Credit & Loans – While the IRS doesn’t report to credit bureaus, unpaid taxes can result in liens, making it harder to get loans or mortgages.
How to Get an Extension for Tax Day 2025
If you’re not ready to file your taxes by April 15, 2025, don’t panic—the IRS allows you to request an extension, giving you six extra months to file your return. That means your new deadline will be October 15, 2025.
But here’s the catch: An extension only gives you more time to file, NOT more time to pay. If you owe taxes, you still need to estimate and pay what you owe by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
How to File for a Tax Extension
Requesting an extension is free, simple, and fast. Here are your options:
1. File Form 4868 Online (Best Option )
The easiest way to request an extension is by filing IRS Form 4868 electronically. You can do this through:
- IRS Free File (FreeFile) – If your income is $79,000 or less, you can file for free.
- Tax Software – Platforms like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct let you request an extension with a few clicks.
- Professional Tax Preparers – If you use a CPA or tax pro, they can file the extension for you.
Bonus Tip: When you file online, you’ll receive an electronic confirmation that your extension was accepted—no worrying about lost paperwork!
2. Mail Form 4868 (Slower but Works )
If you prefer old-school methods, you can print Form 4868 (download it here), fill it out, and mail it to the IRS. The mailing address depends on your state, which you can find in the form instructions.
Important: If you’re mailing your request, it must be postmarked by April 15, 2025 to be valid!
3. Pay a Portion of Your Taxes to Get an Extension
Did you know that making a partial payment of your estimated taxes can also automatically grant you an extension? If you use the IRS Direct Pay system, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or even a debit/credit card, and indicate the payment is for an “extension,” the IRS automatically grants you an extension—no need to file Form 4868!
Pro Tip: Even if you can’t pay your full tax bill, pay as much as possible by April 15 to reduce penalties and interest.
What Happens After You Get an Extension?
Once your extension is approved, here’s what you need to know:
You Have Until October 15, 2025 – The IRS won’t bug you (much) until then.
You Should Still Pay Your Taxes ASAP – To avoid penalties and interest.
If You Miss October 15, Things Get Messy – There are no extensions beyond this. At that point, failure-to-file penalties kick in.
Common Myth: “If I file for an extension, I’m more likely to get audited.” False! Filing an extension does NOT increase your audit risk.
FAQs on Tax Extensions and More
Still have questions about Tax Day 2025 and IRS extensions? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common questions people ask:
1. Does a Tax Extension Also Extend My Payment Deadline?
No. A tax extension only gives you more time to file your return—not more time to pay what you owe. If you don’t pay at least a portion of your estimated tax bill by April 15, 2025, you’ll face penalties and interest.
2. What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Taxes by April 15?
If you can’t pay your full tax bill by Tax Day 2025, you still have options:
- Pay what you can – The IRS charges less interest if you make a partial payment.
- Set up a payment plan – The IRS offers short-term (120 days) and long-term (monthly) installment agreements. You can apply online at IRS.gov.
- Request an Offer in Compromise (OIC) – In rare cases, the IRS may reduce your tax debt if you prove financial hardship.
Fun Fact: Even if you owe money, filing on time avoids the hefty failure-to-file penalty.
3. Can I Get an Extension If I’m Living Abroad?
Yes! U.S. citizens and resident aliens living outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico automatically get a two-month extension (until June 15, 2025) to file their return. If you need more time, you can still file Form 4868 to push your deadline to October 15, 2025.
4. What Happens If I Miss the October 15, 2025, Extended Deadline?
If you miss the final deadline, the IRS considers your tax return late, and the failure-to-file penalty kicks in (5% per month, up to 25%). You may also face additional penalties and collection efforts.
5. Are There Any Exceptions for Disaster Victims?
Yes! If you’re in a federally declared disaster area, the IRS may grant automatic extensions for filing and paying taxes. You can check current disaster relief updates at IRS Disaster Assistance.
6. Can the IRS Deny My Extension Request?
In rare cases, yes. If you submit incorrect information on Form 4868 or fail to make a required estimated tax payment, the IRS can reject your extension. However, most requests are automatically approved.
7. Do State Taxes Follow the Same Deadline?
Not necessarily. Each state sets its own tax deadlines and extension policies. Check with your state tax agency to see if you need to file a separate extension.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!
Tax Day 2025 will be here before you know it. Whether you plan to file on time or request an extension, the key is to stay proactive to avoid unnecessary penalties. Here’s a quick recap:
- Tax Day 2025 is April 15 – File your return or request an extension.
- You can get an automatic 6-month extension – But you must file Form 4868 or make a partial tax payment.
- Even with an extension, your payment is still due April 15 – To avoid penalties and interest.
- If you can’t pay, don’t ignore it! – Set up a payment plan with the IRS.
- State tax deadlines may be different – Check with your state’s tax office.
By planning ahead, you can file with confidence, avoid penalties, and keep the IRS off your back. And let’s be honest—filing on time feels way better than dealing with late fees!