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An IRS tax deadline is the date by which you must have your tax returns completed and filed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the IRS tax deadline for filing returns?
April 15, following the end of the tax year, is the filing deadline for paper and online returns.
What if I don’t file on time?
Whether or not you owe taxes, if you do not file your return on time, you will have interest accrue on the unpaid taxes along with a failure-to-pay penalty. This will add to the total amount you owe. To avoid this penalty and interest, file by the deadline.
Can I request an extension?
You may file an extension if you owe taxes; however, this only gives you an extension on the deadline for filing and not on the payment due. When you request an extension, you will get an automatic six-month extension from the IRS to October 15. You will need to file Form 4868, but the form must be submitted by April 15. You can also e-file your extension request at no cost.
What if I can’t pay by the deadline?
If you can’t pay the full amount of what is owed, then you should attempt to pay as much as possible. This will minimize the interest and penalties. You may also take advantage of other payment options, such as using credit cards or debit cards to pay your taxes.
Can I get an installment agreement?
Yes, this allows you to pay the remaining balance in monthly installments if you owe $25,000 or less. You can use this online form: Online Payment Agreement application, or you can attach Form 9465 to the front of your tax return. In doing this, you must give a proposed monthly amount and a date in which you choose to make the payment every month. There is a charge for this agreement of $105, or $52 if you choose to have the payment deducted from your bank account. This fee is lower for low-income taxpayers and is given automatically to qualified taxpayers.
It is required that you pay interest including any late payment penalty with the monthly payment. If you do not file by the IRS tax deadline, you may end up paying the failure-to-pay penalty.
Can I file electronically?
E-filing is a fast, accurate and easy way to file your taxes. Several of the tax preparation programs also check for accuracy and necessary information, and using an e-file service can speed up your refund if you have one coming to you. If you choose to have your refund direct deposited, it will reduce the time as well. Some programs also offer the opportunity to file your state return when you file the federal return. When the return is accepted, you will receive an email acknowledging the receipt of your return.
Several individuals take advantage of the IRS-sponsored free file program. There is no fee for this service.
How can I have my refund direct deposited?
You can enter your bank account and routing information in the provided boxes on federal forms 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. You can also split your refund into three different accounts, if you choose, when filing electronically. For paper filers, you will need to file Form 8888 to split your refund.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the IRS tax deadline for filing returns?
April 15, following the end of the tax year, is the filing deadline for paper and online returns.
What if I don’t file on time?
Whether or not you owe taxes, if you do not file your return on time, you will have interest accrue on the unpaid taxes along with a failure-to-pay penalty. This will add to the total amount you owe. To avoid this penalty and interest, file by the deadline.
Can I request an extension?
You may file an extension if you owe taxes; however, this only gives you an extension on the deadline for filing and not on the payment due. When you request an extension, you will get an automatic six-month extension from the IRS to October 15. You will need to file Form 4868, but the form must be submitted by April 15. You can also e-file your extension request at no cost.
What if I can’t pay by the deadline?
If you can’t pay the full amount of what is owed, then you should attempt to pay as much as possible. This will minimize the interest and penalties. You may also take advantage of other payment options, such as using credit cards or debit cards to pay your taxes.
Can I get an installment agreement?
Yes, this allows you to pay the remaining balance in monthly installments if you owe $25,000 or less. You can use this online form: Online Payment Agreement application, or you can attach Form 9465 to the front of your tax return. In doing this, you must give a proposed monthly amount and a date in which you choose to make the payment every month. There is a charge for this agreement of $105, or $52 if you choose to have the payment deducted from your bank account. This fee is lower for low-income taxpayers and is given automatically to qualified taxpayers.
It is required that you pay interest including any late payment penalty with the monthly payment. If you do not file by the IRS tax deadline, you may end up paying the failure-to-pay penalty.
Can I file electronically?
E-filing is a fast, accurate and easy way to file your taxes. Several of the tax preparation programs also check for accuracy and necessary information, and using an e-file service can speed up your refund if you have one coming to you. If you choose to have your refund direct deposited, it will reduce the time as well. Some programs also offer the opportunity to file your state return when you file the federal return. When the return is accepted, you will receive an email acknowledging the receipt of your return.
Several individuals take advantage of the IRS-sponsored free file program. There is no fee for this service.
How can I have my refund direct deposited?
You can enter your bank account and routing information in the provided boxes on federal forms 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. You can also split your refund into three different accounts, if you choose, when filing electronically. For paper filers, you will need to file Form 8888 to split your refund.
