How to file a tax extension: Tax Deadline 2025: Everything you need to know about submissions, IRS extensions, payment plans and refunds – today is your last chance to take action

Tax deadline 2025 is here – Today is April 15th, and if you haven’t submitted your taxes yet, this is your last chance to take action. Whether you are preparing to submit a return or are still figuring out things, don’t panic. You still have some important options today to avoid fines and late fees.

What should I do if I can’t tax today?

If you are not ready to file a full tax return today, you can still ask for an extension. Submit IRS Form 4868 to provide you with until October 15, 2025 to complete your return.
You can request a tax extension today:

• Submit Form 4868 electronically using IRS free files (until midnight).
• Payment irs.gov And select “Extend” as the reason. This is very important.
• Use tax software such as TurboTax or H&R blocks.
• Mail paper form 4868 – but must be mailed on April 15th.

Remember: the file extension is not the extension to pay for. Your estimated tax will still be up to this day.

Who gets the automatic extension without submitting Form 4868?

Some people don’t even have to ask for an extension, they will automatically get one. These include:

• U.S. Citizens and Residents Foreigners Living and working outside of the United States – they get June 15 submit.
• Military personnel In the combat area, they leave the combat area to apply and pay tax for 180 days.
• People affected by natural disasters– If you are in a federally declared disaster area, you may be eligible for additional time. The IRS regularly updates this information on its website.

Make sure to check your status (e.g. California Chartered Tax Commission or FTB) provides a similar extension.

If I file an extension, do I still have to pay taxes by April 15, 2025?

Yes, the IRS still expects you to pay today – even if you apply for an extension. If you can’t pay the amount in full, try paying at least 90% of the amount owed to avoid the highest fine. You can use:

• IRS Direct Payment
• Debit or Credit Cards for Third-Party Websites Approved by IRS
• IRS2GO Applications

Making any payment today helps reduce late payment fees, which may increase quickly.

What punishment would I be punished if I missed the tax deadline?

If you neither submit a return nor request an extension by midnight on April 15, the IRS will start charging:

• A monthly delay of 5% fine is subject to up to 25% of unpaid taxes.
• A monthly fine of 0.5%.
• Daily interest, currently about 7% per year.

Suppose you owe $2,000. In just 5 months, your penalties may rise to $2,500 or more. Proposing something today (whether it is reward or expansion) makes a big difference.

What if I can’t afford the tax today?

If you cannot pay taxes in full, the IRS has payment plans available.

You can apply for:

• Short-term payment plan (up to 180 days)
• Long-term installment agreement if you need more time

Set up a plan on the IRS payment portal. You will still charge interest, but entering the program can help you avoid collections or tax lien.

It’s better to set something up today, rather than ignoring it and hoping for the best.

How to track refunds after submitting today?

Once you submit your return, you can use the IRS “Where is my refund?” to track your refund. Tools irs.gov/refunds.

You need:

• Your social insurance number
• Your application status
• Your refund amount

Refund information is usually provided 24 hours after electronic application and is updated daily.

• 24 hours after electronic filing
• 4 weeks after mailing the return

Simply enter your Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount. It is updated every day, usually overnight.

What to do before midnight on April 15, 2025

Here is a quick list of what you can still do today:

• ✅File tax returns electronically before midnight
• ✅ or file form 4868 for extension
• ✅ Pay at least a portion of the fine you owe
• ✅Set up IRS payment plan if needed
• ✅Stick your money later using “Where is my refund?”

Today is your last chance – so don’t wait. Even if you aren’t fully ready yet, submitting an extension and paying it will save you a lot of stress (and cash).

FAQ:

It’s too late to submit taxes on April 15, 2025?
No, you can still submit taxes or ask for an IRS extension until midnight today.

Can I still submit Form 4868 on April 15?
Yes, you can automatically expand on 4868 releases from April 15 to April 15 or postmark IRS forms.