Tax Day is Tuesday, April 15, 2025, but some exceptions exist. Learn important dates and information to apply for an extension to file your tax return by October 15, 2025.
You must still pay taxes on time (though some exceptions exist), but the tax extension gives you more time to file your return. Anyone can file an extension for taxes in 2025. You do not need to provide the IRS with a reason. Typical reasons for taxes extension in 2025 include missing or inaccurate filing information, traveling during tax season, major life events like disasters, divorce, or loss of a loved one, and good old human procrastination.1 Allowing yourself more time to calmly and thoroughly complete your tax return helps ensure you can maximize your tax benefits and avoid failure-to-file penalties, which can amount to 25% of the tax due.1
When are taxes due in 2025?
The last day to submit a federal income tax return is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Some exceptions exist; for instance, some Americans living abroad have until June 16, 2025, to file and pay.2
This year, there are Federal tax extensions for taxpayers in disaster areas. Taxpayers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and parts of Alaska, New Mexico, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia have May 1, 2025, to file and pay their 2024 taxes.3
Some residents and businesses in Los Angeles County, California, have until October 15, 2025, to file and pay their 2024 taxes.4
What if I can’t make the tax deadline?
First, what is a tax extension? A federal tax extension in 2025 gives you six more months to file your taxes.
For most, you must still pay your taxes on time, but the extended tax deadline gives you more time to file your return. USA.gov recommends estimating your tax bill and paying on April 15, even if you have not filed.5
If you do not pay your tax bill by April 15, you may be subject to a Failure to Pay Penalty. The Failure to Pay Penalty is based on how long your overdue taxes remain unpaid. Unpaid tax is the total tax required to be shown on your return, minus amounts paid through withholding, estimated tax payments, and allowed refundable credits. The penalty will not exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes6, but be aware that interest can be charged as well.7
How do you file for a tax extension?
The extension application is a simple form that requires information such as name, address, Social Security number, and estimated tax liability.
Here are some helpful links from the IRS:
• Get an extension to file your tax return
• Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
When is the tax extension deadline?
The deadline to file a tax extension is Tax Day, April 15, 2025. The extension for taxes lasts six months. The new tax extension deadline for your 2024 taxes is October 15, 2025.
How WECU can help you during tax season
There are several ways WECU can support you:
• If you may be late on your tax payment, using a WECU credit card or personal loan may be more cost-effective than paying the Failure to Pay Penalty. Use a WECU savings account and automatically save for the IRS’s four payment periods8 if you must make estimated tax payments throughout the year.
• WECU’s eStatement makes tax paperwork easier for members!
The above article provides generalized financial information to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your situation and can help you individually with taxes, investments, legal issues, or any other matters that affect you and/or your business. WECU does not provide tax or legal advice.
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1. TurboTax. “Can’t File by the Deadline? Top 3 Reasons to File a Tax Extension – TurboTax Tax Tips & Videos.” Accessed February 25, 2025.
2. IRS. “U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad – Automatic 2-month extension of time to file | Internal Revenue Service.” Accessed March 3, 2025.
3. IRS. “IRS reminder to disaster area taxpayers with extensions: All or parts of 14 states, 2 territories need to file 2023 returns by Feb. 3; others have until May 1 | Internal Revenue Service.” Accessed February 25, 2025.
4. IRS. “IRS announces tax relief for taxpayers impacted by wildfires in California; various deadlines postponed to Oct. 15 | Internal Revenue Service.” Accessed February 25, 2025.
5. Usa.gov. “Federal tax return extension.” Accessed February 25, 2025.
6. IRS. “Failure to Pay Penalty | Internal Revenue Service.” Accessed February 25, 2025.
7. IRS. “Interest | Internal Revenue Service.”Accessed March 7, 2025
8. IRS. “Estimated taxes | Internal Revenue Service.” Accessed February 25, 2025.
