For most taxpayers, the last chance to file a 2025 federal tax return without penalties was Tuesday, April 15, 2026, at midnight local time.
If you filed for an extension, you have until Oct. 15, 2026, to submit your final return, but an estimated payment was still due by Tax Day.
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When are taxes due?
For most taxpayers, the last chance to file a 2025 federal tax return without penalties was Tuesday, April 15, 2026, at midnight local time.
Residents and businesses in parts of the country declared FEMA disaster areas were given more time to file.
When are state taxes due?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming don't collect state income taxes. For most states that do, the deadline was April 15, 2026, at midnight local time.
The following states have different filing deadlines for state returns:
- Oklahoma: April 20, 2026
- Hawaii: April 21, 2026
- Delaware: April 30, 2026
- Iowa: April 30, 2026
- New Mexico: April 30, 2026
- South Carolina: May 1, 2026
- Virginia: May 1, 2026
- Louisiana: May 15, 2026
Consult with your state Department of Revenue for the latest information.
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When will I get my refund?
If you file your federal return electronically and are due a refund, the IRS says you can generally expect it within 21 days.
E-filing and setting up direct deposit will help you get your money faster, according to the agency. If there is an issue with your return or if you filed a paper return, it may take longer.
One of the fastest ways to get a refund is with an online tax-filing program: TurboTax's Do It Yourself plan accepts Form 1040 and limited tax credits. The company claims 37% of filers are eligible to use it for free, but if you itemize your deductions, TurboTax's other plans can be used for both federal returns and state filing, and it cross-checks more than 350 deductions and credits to see if you qualify.
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If you have a simple Form 1040 return only (no forms or schedules except as needed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A), you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition, or you can file with TurboTax Expert Assist Basic at the listed price. Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.
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H&R Block's free online edition is also suited for simple returns, though it will process unemployment compensation and retirement income. If you need to itemize your deductions or report self-employment taxes, you'll want the paid deluxe edition, which comes with help from both live experts and H&R Block's AI tax assistant.
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When is the deadline to file a tax extension?
If you filed for an extension by April 15, 2026, your completed return is due on Oct. 15, 2026. Penalties and fees will be assessed, however, if you didn't submit an estimated payment by Tax Day.
To request an extension, file an online or paper version of IRS Form 4868. You can also just submit some or all of the money you owe and indicate it's for an extension.
Each state has a different process for requesting a tax extension for state returns. Many, including California and Illinois, offer an automatic six-month extension.
Tax deadline FAQs
When will I get my tax refund?
The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days of receiving an online return, provided there are no mistakes or issues. If you file a paper return, however, it could take up to eight weeks. In 2025, the IRS nearly doubled the number of states that residents can use its free Direct File system to submit online.
When are taxes due if I file an extension?
If you file for an extension, you have until Oct. 15, 2026, to file your taxes without a penalty. You still have to make an estimated payment of any taxes you owe by April 15, however. An extension just gives you more time to submit your paperwork.
What happens if I don't file my taxes on time?
If you owe the IRS money and don't file by April 15, interest and penalties begin to accrue immediately. If you go long enough without paying or owe enough, the IRS can garnish your wages, place a lien on your property or even revoke your passport.
If you don't owe the IRS any money, you won't face penalties, but you will lose any refund unless you file within three years of the original due date.
The simplest and fastest way to file is with a tax-filing software program like TurboTax or H&R Block.
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