The tax filing deadline was April, but if you missed it, you’re not alone—and you still have options. Here’s what you need to know about filing late, penalties, and how to get back on track.
Yes. You can still file your taxes after the deadline. If you need more time to prepare your return, you can request an IRS extension online or by mail using Form, but this must be done by the original deadline. An extension gives you until October to file your return, but it does not extend the time to pay what you owe.
If you owe taxes and didn’t file or request an extension by April, the IRS will charge penalties. The late filing penalty is typically 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month your return is late, up to 25%. If you also didn’t pay on time, there’s a late payment penalty of.5% per month, also up to 25%. Interest accrues daily on unpaid taxes.
If the IRS owes you a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late. However, you must file within three years to claim your refund.
You can pay taxes directly online through the IRS website or file for an extension using IRS Free File. California and some other states offer automatic extensions to file (not to pay), so check your state’s rules.
Taxpayers in disaster-affected areas or those living abroad may have more time to file and pay. Check the IRS website for the latest updates.
Missing the tax deadline isn’t the end—act quickly to minimize penalties and interest.
