What is the deadline for filing and paying federal income taxes?
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For most individual taxpayers, the deadline for filing and paying federal income taxes for the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025) is April 15, 2025. This is the due date for both filing your Form 1040 and paying any tax owed, regardless of whether you file electronically or by mail.
1. Extensions and Special Rules
- Automatic 6-Month Extension to File: You can request an automatic 6-month extension to file your return (to October 15, 2025) by submitting Form 4868 by April 15, 2025. However, this is only an extension to file, not to pay. Any tax owed must still be paid by April 15, 2025, to avoid interest and penalties.
- Taxpayers Living Abroad: U.S. citizens or resident aliens whose tax home and abode are outside the United States and Puerto Rico on the regular due date are granted an automatic 2-month extension to file and pay (to June 16, 2025, since June 15 is a Sunday in 2025). However, interest accrues on any unpaid tax from April 15, 2025.
- Combat Zone or Disaster Relief: Taxpayers serving in a combat zone or affected by certain federally declared disasters may have additional time to file and pay. The specific extension depends on the situation and IRS announcements.
2. Payment of Tax
- General Rule: The tax shown on your return must be paid by the due date for filing the return, without regard to any extension of time for filing.
- Interest and Penalties: If you do not pay the tax due by April 15, 2025, interest and possibly penalties will accrue from that date, even if you have an extension to file.
3. If the Due Date Falls on a Weekend or Holiday
If April 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is the next business day.
4. Summary Table
Note: Special disaster relief or combat zone rules may provide later deadlines for affected taxpayers.
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