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Issue Number:  Tax Tip 2025-27

Taxpayers who missed the April tax filing deadline should file as soon as possible

Taxpayers who missed the April 15 filing deadline should submit their tax return as soon as possible. Those who missed the deadline to file but owe taxes should file timely to avoid penalties and interest. 

Requesting an extension allows for additional time to file but not to pay taxes owed. Individuals who owe taxes should file their tax return and pay as soon as they can. Interest and penalties will continue to accrue on the owed taxes until the balance is paid in full. 

Taxpayers who still need to file for the 2024 tax year are encouraged to take advantage of electronic filing options such as IRS Free File, which is available on IRS.gov through Oct. 20, or IRS Direct File, available to qualified taxpayers in 25 states.

File and pay now to limit penalties and interest
Even if a taxpayer can't afford to pay immediately the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return and pay as much as possible. The IRS offers options for taxpayers who need help paying their tax bill. For more information, visit the Penalties page on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements. For more information, see the Administrative Penalty Relief page on IRS.gov.

Online payment options
Individuals can pay taxes owed securely through IRS Online Account, IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or by debit or credit card or digital wallet. Taxpayers may also apply online for a payment plan, including installment agreements. 

Those who pay electronically get immediate confirmation after submitting payment. Direct Pay and the EFTPS allow taxpayers to receive payment email notifications. Find additional payment information at the Make a Payment page on IRS.gov.

If a refund is owed, consider filing a tax return
There's no penalty for filing after the April 15 deadline if the IRS owes you a tax refund. Taxpayers who choose not to file a return because they don't earn enough to meet the filing requirement may miss out on receiving a refund due to potential refundable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. 

Taxpayers can track their refund using the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov, on the IRS2Go mobile app or by calling the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. To use the Where's My Refund tool, taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status information updates once daily.

Choose a trusted tax professional
Taxpayers who have yet to file a tax return might consider seeking assistance from a tax preparer. The IRS provides resources if they need someone to prepare a tax return. The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help taxpayers find tax return preparers with professional certifications recognized by the IRS or who have completed the IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program.

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