Tax Day: When Is the Last Day to File Your Taxes?
Tax Day falls on April 15 this year. However, some people have an extended tax deadline and extra time to file. Are you one of them?
Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Day — when most taxpayers have to file their federal income tax return for the 2024 tax year — falls on April 15, 2025. However, some taxpayers impacted by storms and natural disasters have more time to file.
Special tax extension rules also apply to Americans living abroad and people serving (or who served) in a combat zone or contingency operation. As a result, they might have more time beyond April 15 to file their federal income tax return and pay whatever tax they are expected to owe. And they could receive an extension past October 15.
In any case, here's what you need to know about when taxes are due.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Tax deadline extensions for natural disasters
If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declares a disaster area following a natural disaster, the IRS usually offers tax relief for the disaster victims in the form of tax filing and payment extensions. In the case of certain recent natural disasters, the April 15 tax filing and payment deadline is extended in certain states for individuals and businesses residing or located in the designated disaster areas.
Suppose you were a victim of a natural disaster like the California wildfires. In that case, the IRS recommends you recover your federal and state tax records as soon as possible. Having your tax documents available can serve as proof of income, property ownership, and help you claim expenses that may be subject to federal disaster-related tax deductions or government relief.
Generally, the IRS and state governments allow taxpayers to recover their tax records and other relevant documents for free in the aftermath of a disaster.
Tax Extension: Do you need more time to file?
If, for some reason, you are not able to file your federal tax return on time, you can request an automatic six-month tax extension to October 15, 2025, by filing Form 4868 or making an electronic tax payment. To get an extension, you have to act by the original due date for your return, whether that is April 15, or another extended deadline date.
Keep in mind, however, that an extension to file doesn't extend the time to pay your tax. If you don't pay the tax due by your tax deadline date, then you will owe interest on the unpaid tax and could be looking at additional penalties for filing and paying late.
Deadlines for state tax returns
Unless you live in a state with no income tax, you probably have to file a state tax return as well. Most states synch their income tax return deadline with the federal tax due date. But double check your state deadline to be sure.
State rules regarding tax filing extensions may differ from federal rules. So, check with the state tax agency where you live to find out when your state tax return is due and/or how to get an extension.
Related
- States With IRS Extended Tax Deadlines
- How to Pay the IRS if You Owe
- Tax Season: IRS Changes to Know Before You File
- What's the Standard Deduction?
-
4 Tricks to Help You Save MorePsychology and money are linked. Learn how you can use this to help you save more throughout 2026.
-
Who Counts as Family on a Mobile Phone Plan?Family phone plans aren’t just for parents and kids anymore. Here’s who can share a plan, how much you can save and what to watch out for before you bundle.
-
Why Your Home Insurance Might Not Protect You If Someone Else Lives ThereLetting a relative stay in a second home or inherited property can quietly change your insurance coverage and leave you exposed to costly liability claims.
-
Don't Overpay the IRS: 6 Tax Mistakes That Could Be Raising Your BillTax Tips Is your income tax bill bigger than expected? Here's how you should prepare for next year.
-
Oregon Tax Kicker in 2026: What's Your Refund?State Tax The Oregon kicker for 2025 state income taxes is coming. Here's how to calculate your credit and the eligibility rules.
-
Will IRS Budget Cuts Disrupt Tax Season? What You Need to KnowTaxes The 2026 tax season could be an unprecedented one for the IRS. Here’s how you can be proactive to keep up with the status of your return.
-
3 Retirement Changes to Watch in 2026: Tax EditionRetirement Taxes Between the Social Security "senior bonus" phaseout and changes to Roth tax rules, your 2026 retirement plan may need an update. Here's what to know.
-
IRS Tax Season 2026 Is Here: Big Tax Changes to Know Before You FileTax Season Due to several major tax rule changes, your 2025 return might feel unfamiliar even if your income looks the same.
-
12 Tax Strategies Every Self-Employed Worker Needs in 2026Your Business Navigating the seas of self-employment can be rough. We've got answers to common questions so you can have smoother sailing.
-
A Free Tax Filing Option Has Disappeared for 2026: Here's What That Means for YouTax Filing Tax season officially opens on January 26. But you'll have one less way to submit your tax return for free. Here's what you need to know.
-
When Do W-2s Arrive? 2026 Deadline and 'Big Beautiful Bill' ChangesTax Deadlines Mark your calendar: Feb 2 is the big W-2 release date. Here’s the delivery scoop and what the Trump tax changes might mean for your taxes.
