Missing the IRS tax deadline 2025 can lead to penalties and interest, so it’s important to file your 2024 tax return on time. The deadline is April 15, 2025. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file online for faster processing and opt for direct deposit to get their refunds quickly.
If you need more time, you can request a tax extension, but remember—an extension to file is not an extension to pay any taxes owed.
Plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress!
Penalties for Missing the Tax Deadline
If you miss the April 15 deadline, the IRS may impose penalties:
- Failure-to-File Penalty: This penalty is typically 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.
- Failure-to-Pay Penalty: If you file your return but don’t pay the taxes owed by the due date, you’ll generally incur a penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month following the due date, up to a maximum of 25%.
Benefits of E-filing Tax Return with IRS
- Reduced Errors: Tax software performs calculations, flags inconsistencies, and prompts you for missing information, minimizing errors on your return.
- Faster Refunds: Most people qualify for free e-filing, and with direct deposit, refunds are issued within 21 days.
- Convenience: E-filing is accessible and can be done from the comfort of your home.
Free E-filing Options- How to File Taxes Electronically for Free in 2025
- IRS Free File:Â For the 2024 tax year, if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) was $84,000 or less, you qualify to use the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software to prepare and file your federal tax return at no cost. This service is available until October 15, 2025.
- Free File Fillable Forms: Additionally, the IRS offers Free File Fillable Forms, which are electronic versions of paper tax forms. These forms are available to taxpayers of all income levels who prefer to fill out and file their tax forms electronically. This option is also available until mid-October 2025.
- IRS Direct File : In 2025, the IRS expanded its Direct File program to taxpayers in 25 states, allowing them to electronically file their 2024 federal tax returns directly with the IRS for free.
- VITA & TCE Programs: These programs offer free tax preparation to eligible individuals through partnerships with IRS-certified volunteers in local communities.
- MilTax: Active military personnel and some veterans can leverage MilTax, a Department of Defense program, for free tax return preparation and electronic filing of federal and up to three state income tax returns.
Track Your IRS Tax Refund Status
The Where’s My Refund? tool allows you to check your refund status within 24 hours after e-filing your 2024 tax return.
You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. The tool is also accessible through the IRS2Go mobile app for iPhone and Android devices.
Tax Payment Options- How to Pay IRS Taxes 2024
If you owe taxes, avoid penalties and interest by filing your return and paying the balance due by April 15th. The IRS offers various payment options:
- Direct Pay: Free, immediate payment from your checking or savings account.
- Debit/Credit Card or Digital Wallet: Convenient payment with processing fees paid to the processor (not the IRS).
- EFTPS: Free online or phone service for secure individual and business tax payments.
- Electronic Funds Withdrawal: Pay electronically from your bank account when using tax preparation software or a tax professional.
- Check or Money Order: Payable to “United States Treasury.”
- Cash: Involves a four-step process. Details available at IRS.gov/paywithcash.
Payment Plans for Those Unable to Pay in Full
If you cannot pay your taxes by the deadline, consider:
- Online Payment Plan: Apply for an immediate online response for short-term (up to 180 days) or long-term (up to 72 months) payment plans. While interest and penalties accrue, the failure-to-pay penalty is reduced during the installment agreement.
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Tax Filing Extension- If Unable to file by the April 15 deadline?
If you need more time to file, you can request an automatic extension by filing Form 4868 electronically through IRS Free File.
This grants you until October 15, 2025, to file your return. However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay any taxes owed. You should estimate and pay any taxes due by April 15 to avoid penalties.
Special Rules for Extensions
Taxpayers serving in combat zones, living abroad, or residing in certain disaster areas may qualify for automatic extensions without needing to file Form 4868.
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