Introduction
According to the IRS, tax returns are due on April 15, 2025, and the federal tax deadline for 2025 is the same date. If you are not able to file the tax return, you can apply for an extension. It is important to know the tax extension deadline 2025 so as to avoid penalties and paying interest on the tax owed.
You need to remember the payment extension rules, exceptions, and important dates to avoid mistakes. An extension may give you more time to file your return, but it does not give you more time to pay.
What Is the Tax Extension Deadline?
According to the IRS, taxpayers can first file Form 4868 to request more time to write. If you file the form and/or payment by April 15, 2025, you are required to pay €800 by October 15, 2025, and your payment term is automatically extended by six months.
This only extends the deadline for paying the tax due. If you file the return after October, you will have to pay penalties and interest due on the return.
How to File an Extension
Below are the 3 simple ways to file a tax extension in 2025:
- Pay your taxes online – When a payment is made using IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, or a debit/credit card as a ‘payment of taxes’ using the ‘extension’ option, the system will automatically grant an extension.
- Mail IRS Form 4868 – Paper filing is still an option though it must be post marked as of April 15.
- Email filing is the fastest and most dependable choice, and it provides instantaneous assurance of the submission.
Automatic Extensions for Special Cases
These taxpayers automatically qualify for relief from the deadline penalties:
U.S citizens and residents living abroad – If, as of April 15, you live outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico, you are granted an extension and do not need to file until June 16, 2025. However, the interest on taxes that are not paid begins on April 15. In case you need it, there is also an extension to October 15.
Taxpayers affected by disasters – If you live in an area that the IRS considers a disaster zone, federal income taxes and the returns are automatically extended. For example, taxpayers in California that were affected by the wildfires usually get relief until October. There is no need to file a claim; the IRS automatically provides the relief.
Penalty Pitfalls
Not defining the scope of payment vis-à-vis filing can be expensive:
- Failure to file penalty – For every month that passes, it can be as high as 5% of the unpaid tax. The percentage is multiplied by the number of months until a max of 25% is reached. This applies if an extension is requested for the filing until the 15th of October of the same tax year.
- Failure to pay penalty – This underpayment is 0.5% for every month of the return that remains unpaid. This continues from the 16th of April even if an extension has been filed.
- Interest – Interest accrues day to day for amounts that remain unpaid from the 15th of April.
In short, pay as much as possible until April 15 to reduce the penalties, even if you extend.
Key Filing & Payment Dates for 2025
| A Deadline | What It Means |
| April 15, 2025 | Last day to file, or to extend your filing and pay any taxes that are owed |
| June 16, 2025 | Automatic deadline for filing for U.S. expats and those abroad |
| October 15, 2025 | Final deadline for filing with an extension, applies to many areas of disaster relief as well |
Conclusion & Call to Action
If you are not ready to file your 2025 tax return, do not worry. You can extend the filing deadline by April 15, 2025 and you will be able to organize your documents till October 15.
Keep in mind, the extension does not grant you additional time to make payment. To avoid high amounts of interest and other penalties, make an estimate and submit payment by the deadline of April 15, even if the paperwork is not done yet.
If you are an expat, or if you are in an area impacted by a disaster, or if you are dealing with complicated filings in several states, you should consider the services of a properly qualified tax advisor to make sure you stay in compliance and avoid any penalties from the IRS.
FAQs
For 2025, what is the deadline for submitting a tax extension?
File Form 4868 (or make an “extension” payment) by April 15, 2025 to extend filing to October 15, 2025.
How does one submit a tax extension?
E-file Form 4868, pay via IRS Direct Pay/EFTPS/credit card using the “extension” option, or mail Form 4868 postmarked by April 15.
What is the deadline for submitting payment in order to not incur penalties?
April 15, 2025—extensions don’t extend time to pay; interest and a 0.5%/month penalty start after that on unpaid tax.
Is there a need for an expat to file an extension?
If abroad on April 15 you get an automatic filing extension to June 16, 2025; interest still accrues from April 15, and you can file Form 4868 to push filing to October 15.
What about a person who is the victim of a natural disaster, does that apply to them?
Yes—if the IRS designates your area, deadlines are automatically postponed to the announced date (no form needed); check the specific relief notice.