April 15 is the last day for most Americans to file their 2024 federal tax returns—or at least to take steps to avoid penalties.
Whether you’re ready to submit your paperwork or need more time to prepare, knowing exactly when and how to file is critical. Here’s all you need to know about the IRS deadline, extension options, and payment plans.
What Time Is the Deadline To File Taxes?
For most U.S. taxpayers, the deadline to file a 2024 federal tax return is Tuesday, April 15, 2025—and the IRS requires electronic submissions to be sent by midnight local time.
According to the IRS, this cutoff applies whether you’re submitting Form 1040 or requesting an extension through Form 4868. If you’re mailing a paper return, it must be postmarked by April 15 to be considered on time.
This year, April 15 falls on a Tuesday, meaning there are no weekend or holiday adjustments to extend the deadline. If April 15 were to land on a weekend or a legal holiday, the deadline would move to the next business day, according to the IRS.
Missing the filing deadline without taking action could result in financial penalties.
When Should You File An Extension?
Taxpayers who need additional time can request an automatic six-month extension to file their return. However, this is only an extension to file, not an extension to pay.
To request an extension, individuals must submit Form 4868 either electronically or via mail. The extension gives until October 15, 2025, to file a complete tax return. Any owed taxes must still be paid by April 15 to avoid late payment penalties.
The IRS notes that if April 15 falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the filing deadline shifts to the next business day. For 2025, the due date remains April 15.
There are several methods to submit a request:
- File Form 4868 using online tax software or through a tax professional.
- Submit through IRS Free File.
- Mail a paper Form 4868 with payment, postmarked by April 15.
- Make a payment online and indicate it’s for an extension.
If you can’t pay your total tax bill by the deadline, the IRS offers payment plans.
“File on time and pay what you can,” Misty Erickson, tax content manager at the National Association of Tax Professionals told CNBC. “You’re going to reduce penalties and interest.”
There’s no need to despair if you can’t cover the full balance by April 15 because you may have payment options, she said.
“The IRS wants to work with you,” Erickson added.
Taxpayers may qualify for short-term plans if they owe under $100,000, including penalties and interest, giving up to 180 days to pay. Long-term plans are available for balances under $50,000, with monthly payments over the IRS’ collection statute period, typically 10 years.
For taxpayers who don’t owe taxes but still need more time to file, electronic submissions are accepted through November. However, to be recognized as timely, the IRS states that Form 4868 must be submitted by April 15.
Additional deadline relief is available to members of the military, Americans living abroad, and residents in FEMA-designated disaster areas.
Whether you’re filing now or extending, acting by April 15 is key to avoiding penalties.
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