If you filed an extension back in April, it's easy to slip into that I've-got-until-October mindset and forget about it until the leaves start turning.
Yes, October 15 feels far away, but it'll be here before you know it. And waiting until the last minute (again) doesn't just create stress. It also closes the window on big-picture tax strategies, which is where the real savings begin.
Another important thing to note: the IRS has been seeing some delays with its electronic payment system, resulting in notices of payments due going out to people who have already made that payment. If you have received one of these, reach out to us. Once we have the notice, we'll run through it with you and make sure you are all set.
If you're already one of our clients and we filed an extension for you, we're watching the calendar so you don't have to. But we do need you to get us the rest of your tax documents well ahead of time, so we can do this right.
What's the tax extension filing deadline?
Your new filing deadline is October 15, 2025. Unless you're a U.S. citizen living abroad, in which case June 17, 2025 is your deadline to file or request a four-month extension. (Note: your payment deadline was still April 15, just like everyone else.)
And if you were impacted by a federally declared disaster this year, you might have more time, but you'll need to check your eligibility. IRS disaster relief extensions can vary a lot by state and situation.
What the extension isn't for
The extension gives you more time to file, but not more time to pay. That deadline was April 15. So if you owed the IRS, you've been accruing interest and penalties since then.
The IRS expects you to have made a reasonable estimate and sent in what you could. If you paid at least 90 percent of what you owed by April 15, you might avoid some of that penalty, but only if you file your completed return by the extension deadline.
7 steps to stay ahead of the extension deadline
- Gather your documents. Keep a running checklist of what you have and what's still missing. Pull transcripts from the IRS (like the wage and income transcript) to catch forms you may have forgotten or that were issued late, especially if you've moved, changed jobs, or had investments.
- Review last year's return. This helps you catch deductions, carryovers (like capital losses, charitable contributions, or education credits), and income sources that are easy to miss.
- Account for your April payment. If you made a payment with your extension, make sure it's entered on your return. Forgetting this is one of the most common causes of IRS "balance due" confusion.
- Prep now. Don't wait until you have everything. Get as much of your return done now as you can, while the info is fresh, and leave placeholders for the missing pieces.
- Make an estimated payment if needed. If you realize you underpaid in April, send in another payment now (IRS Direct Pay makes this easy). It helps reduce late-payment penalties and signals good faith to the IRS.
- Check your state. State deadlines and rules vary, and in some cases your extension doesn't apply unless you also submitted a state extension form.
- Factor in life changes. Marriage, divorce, a new child, a side business, or inherited assets all trigger tax changes. Now is the time to account for them before you file.
Your extension is a unique opportunity to dial in your tax strategy. Get organized and filing-prepared now. The earlier you prep, the more options you have to minimize penalties, adjust for underpayments, and file a clean return.
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Questions about your own situation? Book an appointment with the My Tax Fella team.