Tax Deadline Approaching: What You Need to Know Before April 15

UNITED STATES (TXAN 24) — The countdown to Tax Day 2025 is on! With the April 15 deadline fast approaching, taxpayers across the U.S. have less than two weeks to file their federal income taxes or request an extension.

Key Tax Deadlines

• April 15, 2025 – Deadline to file federal tax returns and pay any taxes owed.

• April 15, 2025 – Last day to request a tax extension (Form 4868), which grants an additional six months to file, but not to pay.

• October 15, 2025 – Extended deadline for those who filed an extension.

Filing Tips & Avoiding Penalties

• File early to avoid last-minute technical issues or errors.

• Double-check deductions and credits to ensure you maximize your refund.

• Use IRS Free File if you qualify for free tax preparation services.

• Pay what you can even if you can’t afford the full amount—penalties and interest accrue on unpaid balances.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

If you miss the April 15 deadline without an extension, the IRS may apply failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties. Filing as soon as possible can help minimize fees.

Need More Time?

To file an extension, submit Form 4868 electronically or by mail before the deadline. While this extends your filing deadline to October 15, any owed taxes must still be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties.

How to File

Taxpayers can file through tax software, a professional preparer, or directly with the IRS Free File program at www.irs.gov.

With time running out, now is the time to take action. Don’t let Tax Day sneak up on you—file or request an extension before April 15!