What Day Are Taxes Due? File by the April 15 Tax Deadline or Get an Extension for October 15

Feeling unprepared to file? This guide is for you.

Whether the October 15 extension date is fast-approaching or you’re racing toward the April 15 deadline, TurboTax is here for you. This straightforward guide will answer your most pressing questions: when, what, and how to file and pay your taxes.

File your return with confidence this year.

Key Takeaways

• File for a tax extension with the IRS by April 15 to avoid potential failure-to-file penalties and give yourself more time to complete your return.
• The extended deadline is October 15, when you request an extension, giving you six additional months to file.
• You can file an extension with Form 4868 online or by mail. You can also e-file with TurboTax Easy Extension.
• Make estimated tax payments on time to avoid interest and penalties, and consider making payments on 90% of your current year’s bill or 100% of your prior year’s bill to avoid penalties.
• For convenience, you can also pay your tax bill with TurboTax.
• The IRS offers several payment options, including direct pay, electronic funds withdrawal, and credit/debit cards, but be aware of potential fees.
• Missing a tax deadline can result in penalties and interest, so file as soon as possible and explore options like an installment agreement or Offer in Compromise if you can’t pay in full.
• Don’t wait to file your taxes to report your income and get your refund, and consider itemizing or taking the standard deduction, whichever is more beneficial.

How to File for a Tax Extension?

If you’re like many Americans, you’re probably feeling a little behind on your taxes. Maybe you’re still waiting on some W-2s or 1099s (though they should have arrived by Jan. 31), or maybe you just haven’t had the time to sit down and organize all your documents. Whatever the reason, don’t panic. You can file for a tax extension with the IRS to give yourself an extra six months to complete your return.

Who Needs to File an Extension?

Anyone who needs more time to complete their tax return is eligible to file for an extension, including:

• Individuals
• Businesses
• Self-employed individuals
• Non-profit organizations

How to File an Extension?

Filing for an extension is a relatively simple process that can be done online, by phone, or by mail. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Option 1: E-file your extension using TurboTax Easy Extension. This is the fastest and most convenient way to file for an extension. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one, and then follow the prompts to e-file your extension.
• Option 2: Print and mail your extension form. You can download and complete Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return from the IRS website. Make sure to sign and date the form, and then mail it to the address listed in the instructions. It must be postmarked by the tax deadline (April 15). 
• Option 3: Call the IRS. If you prefer to do things over the phone, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (individuals) or 1-800-829-4933 (businesses). Be prepared to provide your name, social security number or EIN, and approximate tax liability.

What to Include with Your Extension?

When you file for an extension, you’ll need to include some basic information, such as:

• Your name and social security number or EIN
• Your address
• Your estimated tax liability (if you think you’ll owe)
• Your payment method (if you’re making a payment)

It’s important to note that filing an extension gives you more time to file but not more time to pay if you owe. 

What Day Are Taxes Due?

The due date for filing your federal income tax return is typically April 15, but this can vary depending on your situation. Here are some important tax deadlines to keep in mind:

• Individuals: April 15 
• Businesses: March 15
• Self-employed individuals: April 15 

What Happens If I Miss the Tax Deadline?

If you miss the tax filing deadline, you could be facing penalties and interest, such as:

• Penalties: The IRS (and even your state) can charge late-filing and late-payment penalties, which can add up quickly.
• Interest: You’ll also be charged interest on the amount you owe, starting from the original due date.
• Lien: If you owe a significant amount of money, the IRS could put a lien on your property, which can affect your credit score and the ability to sell your home.

How to Pay Taxes Online?

Paying your taxes online is a convenient and secure way to avoid late fees and interest. Here are a couple options:

• Option 1: Use TurboTax. This is the fastest and easiest way to pay your taxes online. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one, and then follow the prompts to securely e-file your payment.
• Option 2: Use the IRS Payment Plan. You can also make a payment on the IRS website or when filing your tax return or extension. If you can’t pay it all now, you can make a payment plan with the IRS, which will allow you to pay your taxes in installments. You’ll need to create an account on the IRS website and follow the prompts to set up a payment plan.

What Payment Methods Are Acceptable?

The IRS accepts a variety of payment methods, including:

• Debit cards
• Credit cards
• Digital wallet
• Check or money order

Where to Mail a 1040 Tax Return

If you prefer to mail your tax return, you’ll need to send it to the address listed in the instructions. 

• If you’re e-filing: You don’t need to mail anything if you e-file your return through TurboTax or the IRS website.
• If you’re paper-filing: The address will be listed in the instructions for your specific form. Make sure to use a trackable mail service and keep a copy of your return, in case it gets lost in the mail.

What to Include with Your Return

When you mail your tax return, make sure to include:

• Form 1040: This is likely the main form you’ll use to report your income and deductions.
• Schedules and attachments: If you have any additional income, deductions, or credits, you’ll need to attach the relevant schedules and forms to your return.
• W-2s and 1099s: Make sure to include all your W-2s and 1099s with your return, as they’ll need to match the information you report on your form.

When Does Tax Season End?

Tax season typically runs from January 1 to April 15, but this can vary depending on your situation. Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

• January 1: Tax season begins
• April 15: Tax filing deadline for individuals and most businesses
• March 15: Tax filing deadline for S corporations, multimember LLCs and partnerships
• October 15: Extended tax filing deadline (if you file for an extension)

Note that if you were affected by a federally declared disaster, the Internal Revenue Service may have extended certain tax deadlines and provided additional relief to help ease your financial burden.

Essential Reminders for a Smooth Tax Filing Process

Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little planning and preparation, you can avoid late fees, interest, and other penalties. Remember to:

• File for a tax extension if you need more time
• Pay your taxes online to avoid late fees and interest
• Use the right forms and schedules to report your income and deductions
• Keep track of your deadlines and payment due dates

And most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute. File your taxes today with TurboTax and breathe a sigh of relief, knowing you’ve got this.

Make sure you’re ready to file

Whether you’re an individual filer or business, knowing when your taxes are due and what to do if you’re not going to have your return ready can save you a lot of headaches. With this guide, you’re better prepared to file by April 15 or take advantage of the October 15 extension.

Need more help getting prepared? A TurboTax tax expert can answer all your questions, and accurately prepare your taxes on time.

Frequently asked questions

Are taxes due April 15 every year?

April 15 is considered tax day. But, if April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date for that tax year will be moved to the following business day.

What happens if you can’t file by April 15?

If you aren’t able to file your tax return for any reason by April 15, you can file for an extension. The extension gives you until October 15 to file your return.

To file an extension, you’ll use Form 4868.

Is the extended tax deadline October 15?

Yes. But if October 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the extension deadline will be on the next business day instead.

Are tax extensions always available?

For federal taxes, everyone is eligible for the automatic six-month extension you can apply for with Form 4868.  You can also get an extension with your state until the October deadline. Depending on your state, you may be granted an automatic extension when you request your federal extension.

Additional extensions may also be available if you are impacted by a federally declared disaster.