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.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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?
-
Stock Market Today: Great Power Affairs Mesmerize MarketsThe U.S. and China are at least talking about talking about tariffs, and investors, traders and speculators are showing a little less fear.
-
Is Walmart Plus Worth It?There are tons of exciting Walmart Plus benefits – but are they worth the $98 annual fee?
-
Ask the Editor: Reader Questions, April 25 — 529 plansIn our latest Ask the Editor round-up, Joy Taylor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor, answers questions related to 529 plans.
-
Ten Cheapest Places To Live in FloridaProperty Tax Make your Florida vacation spot daily living — these counties have the lowest property tax bills in the state.
-
Missed Tax Day? Nearly One Million Taxpayers Still Can File and Claim Valuable Tax RefundsTax Refunds As many as one million taxpayers could be missing out on a significant tax refund.
-
Ask the Editor: Reader Questions, April 18 — Amended ReturnsIn our Ask the Editor: Taxes, April 18, round-up — Joy Taylor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor, answers questions on amended returns, mortgages and deductions.
-
How Many IRS Commissioners Have We Gone Through This Year?IRS Who were the former IRS commissioners, and why did they resign? Find out how IRS turnover can impact your taxes.
-
Which Generation Pays the Most Tax in the US?Tax Burden Polls show that most people feel like taxes are unfair. But which age group bears the brunt of the tax burden in the United States?
-
Tax Day 2025: Don’t Miss These Freebies, Food Deals and DiscountsTax Day You can score some sweet deals on April 15 in some select restaurants like Burger King, Shake Shack, and more.
-
Tax Time: Does Your Kid Influencer Owe Taxes?State Tax Some minors are making big money on social media. Here’s how to know if they need to file taxes.
