Tax Season 2026: Your Guide To Tax Deadlines

When Are Taxes Due In 2026?

For most taxpayers, the deadline to file 2025 federal income tax returns and pay any tax owed is April 15, 2026. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses this standard due date: the 15th day of the fourth month after the end of the tax year for calendar-year filers, unless it falls on a weekend or legal holiday.

If you don’t expect to be ready to file by that date, you can request an extension until October 15, 2026, as long as you submit IRS Form 4868 and pay any estimated 2025 income tax you owe by April 15, 2026. An extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay.

Most states align their income tax filing deadlines with the federal due date, but a few may shift their date slightly for state-specific holidays or administrative reasons. Always confirm your state tax deadline on your state’s department of revenue or tax agency website.

Filing a few days or weeks before the tax deadline gives you more time to fix mistakes, confirm your tax refund details, or arrange any payments you owe, without risking late-filing penalties or extra interest.

Can You Request a Tax Deadline Extension?

If you need more time to prepare your 2025 federal income tax return, you can request a tax filing extension using IRS Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

As long as you submit Form 4868 by April 15, 2026, the IRS will grant you an automatic six-month extension to file, moving your deadline to October 15, 2026.

You'll still need to estimate and pay any 2025 income tax you expect to owe by April 15, 2026. If you underpay, the IRS may charge penalties and interest on the unpaid balance from that date, even if you file your return on time in October.

You can request an extension in two main ways:

1. E-file Form 4868 (PDF) using IRS Free File or approved tax software
2. Mail a paper Form 4868 to the IRS (the envelope must be postmarked no later than  April 15, 2026, to be accepted)

If you’re already struggling with past-due tax debts, it’s best to talk to a qualified tax professional. In many cases, you may be able to set up an installment agreement or explore other IRS payment options to make catching up more manageable.

Important 2026 Tax Deadlines to Know

Staying on top of key IRS dates can help you avoid penalties, plan cash flow, and make the most of your tax-advantaged accounts. Besides the main April 15 deadline, here are the key IRS dates to keep in mind for the 2025 tax year for individual taxpayers and many self-employed workers:

Tax Deadlines for 2026

Note: If a tax deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the IRS generally moves it to the next business day. Extra time may also be granted for taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. For the latest updates, always confirm deadlines on the IRS official website.

What Happens if You Miss Your Tax Deadlines?

Missing a tax deadline does not always lead to the same outcome. The consequences depend on whether the IRS owes you a refund or you owe additional tax.

When you are due a refund and file late, you typically do not pay penalties. You simply get your money later, as long as you file within the usual time window the IRS allows for claiming a refund. If you owe tax, though, penalties and interest can add up quickly, especially when the balance is large.

If you owe taxes and file late, the IRS can apply a failure-to-file penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that your return is late. This penalty can reach a maximum of 25% of the unpaid tax.

Additionally, if you file on time but do not pay your full balance, the IRS may also charge a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month after the due date. This penalty is also capped at 25% of the unpaid tax.

Filing your return on time, even if you cannot pay the full amount right away, usually keeps your overall penalties lower than skipping the filing altogether. You will also owe interest on any unpaid balance. Interest starts on the original due date of the return and continues until you pay the full amount you owe.

How To File Your Taxes Before the Deadline

Keeping track of tax deadlines and filing everything correctly can feel daunting. Fortunately, taxpayers have several options to file on time or request an extension.

Use Online Tax Platforms

One of the easiest ways to e-file your return is through online tax software. Typically, you'll follow these steps:

1. Answer simple questions about your income and finances.
2. Allow the software to fill out the forms for you.
3. Submit all your information electronically to the IRS.

In many cases, you'll receive confirmation within a few hours that your return has been received and accepted.

The IRS Free File program lets eligible taxpayers file federal returns online at no cost through partner software. Eligibility is based on your adjusted gross income (AGI) and other criteria, and the income limit can change each year.

For recent tax years, Free File has generally been available to taxpayers below a set AGI threshold, for example, $89,000 or less for the 2025 tax year. Always check the current rules on the IRS Free File page before you file.

If you do not qualify for IRS Free File, you can still use paid tax software from providers like TurboTax or H&R Block. Compare pricing, support options, and whether each platform includes state filing before you decide which is the best fit.

Seek Professional Assistance

If you want to save time or have a more complicated tax situation, it may be worth hiring a professional tax preparation firm. You may also want to consider working with a local CPA if you have a side gig or own a small business.

“For the ultimate specialist when it comes to dealing with the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue, you can't do better than a tax professional who is certified as an Enrolled Agent (EA),” says Brad Reichert, founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC.

“An enrolled agent is a highly qualified tax advisor and a federally authorized tax practitioner who has been certified by the IRS and empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent you, the taxpayer,” Reichert adds. “Enrolled agents are different from CPAs because they can represent taxpayers in front of the IRS in tax court regarding tax issues that include audits, collections, and appeals.”

While a tax professional does charge a fee, they can help you file accurately and on time, claim all the credits and deductions you qualify for, and avoid mistakes that might trigger penalties or IRS notices later.

Don’t Miss Your Tax Deadlines

The 2026 tax filing season is scheduled to start on January 26, 2026, when the IRS begins accepting 2025 federal returns. Most employers and financial institutions must send W-2 and most 1099 forms to workers by January 31, 2026, so you have what you need to file on time.

It's best to get an early start and file well before the deadline so you have time to fix mistakes and avoid late-filing or late-payment penalties. If you already know you'll need extra time, consider requesting an extension.

Remember that an extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. You still must pay any 2025 taxes you owe by April 15, 2026, to avoid additional penalties and interest.

Partner with TurboDebt® for Debt Relief Assistance

Just like seeking expert tax help when filing a complicated return, consumers with heavy debt burdens can search for effective debt relief to get their finances back on track.

Working with an accredited organization like TurboDebt® can be the first step toward a more stable financial future. Our customized debt relief programs can help you save up to 45% on your total debt balance (before fees).

Don't wait for the interest and penalties on your debts to keep growing. Contact the team at TurboDebt today and take the first step toward becoming debt-free.