The deadline for filing taxes in 2025 is almost upon us, if you have not submitted yet the last day is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. They are rush-filing their returns, and the number is in millions in the U.S. and still plenty of them have the questions remaining regarding their refunds, extension options, and what will happen to their late submissions.
Feeling the pressure? You are not the only one. However, there is still some time to deal with the situation and prevent any type of penalties or waits. Every taxpayer must learn what they can do before Tax Day comes.
RelatedPosts
When you can file by your last day?
The final IRS tax date for this year is 15th April 2025. This applies to both the federal income tax returns as well as a tax payment if any.
If you owe the IRS money or are getting a refund, the source says that you can be penalized even if you do not file by the due date. If you are not in a position to meet the deadline, you may file Form 4868 to request an extension. This will give you a time frame to complete your tax return by October 15, 2025. Nevertheless, you must remember and take into account the fact that the extension only refers to filling in the form, and you must pay the due taxes by April 15 in order not to be charged with interest or late fees.
How to follow the status of your refund?
Though you have already taken care of the filing, you can be wondering: Where’s the money that I owe you?
The IRS has a service called “Where’s My Refund?” which is updated daily. It is located on the official website and you will be asked two things:
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- The way of your filing which can be like single, or married filing jointly
- The specific refund amount from your return
If you e-filed your return, it will be processed within a maximum of 21 days. Post office mailing of your return would mean waiting at least four weeks for its receipt and processing.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
The deadline that will be missed could result in financial penalties. The IRS collects the following fees:
- A 5% late filing penalty for each month you delay, up to 25%
- A 0.5% late payment penalty per month, plus interest on the amount due
However, if you are owed a refund, there is no punishment for being a bit late in filing. However, you still need to do this within three years of claiming it.
Residents living in federally declared disaster areas may qualify for an extended deadline. In particular, some states extend the date to May 1, 2025. You can check the IRS disaster relief page to see if your area is on the list.
How to File Quickly and Correctly
If there are just a few days left for you to file your taxes, here are some tips that will help you avoid mistakes:
- E-file your return
- Direct deposit your refund
- Verify personal and financial details
- Use the Free File service if you’re eligible
Need More Time? File an Extension
If you still don’t want to give in and file your taxes, you shouldn’t feel stressed about it. You can request an automatic extension by submitting Form 4868. This will provide you an extra time until October 15, 2025, to prepare and file your return.
However, remember that this doesn’t mean that you can also move your payment due date. You are still required to figure and pay any taxes you owe by April 15 to prevent not being charged interest.
You have the option to e-file your extension or mail the form, but the electronic version is recommended for faster processing.
Special Filing Dates for Certain Groups
Some taxpayers are entitled to automatic extensions. This group includes:
- Military personnel in combat zones
- U.S. citizens living abroad, who have until June 16, 2025
- Disaster-affected taxpayers, depending on IRS updates
You can find out if you are eligible for special benefits by going to the IRS filing extension page.
April 15 is much closer than you may think, and neglecting the deadline can be expensive for you. Whether you’re anticipating receiving a refund or have outstanding taxes to pay, it is now time for you to sort through your documents and act quickly.
Be sure to e-file your tax return, go through all your data again, and opt for direct deposit so you can avert the unwanted delays. In case you are still not ready, you should file for an extension—but you must remember to meet your obligation to pay the dues.
