Missed the April tax deadline? Here’s what to do next
If you didn’t file your 2024 tax return by the April 15 deadline, you're not alone – and it's not too late to act.
The IRS encourages taxpayers to file as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest.
Here's what you need to know and how to get back on track.
Why filing late costs you
Missing the deadline can lead to penalties, interest charges, and delays in receiving refunds.
The longer you wait, the more you may owe – especially if you have a balance due.
Penalties explained
There are two main penalties the IRS imposes when you miss the filing deadline:
- Failure-to-file penalty: Typically 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month (or part of a month) your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.
- Failure-to-pay penalty: Generally 0.5% of the unpaid taxes for each month the tax is not paid, also capped at 25%.
If both penalties apply, the failure-to-file penalty is reduced by the amount of the failure-to-pay penalty.
What to do if you missed the deadline
Step 1 – File your tax return immediately
Even if you can’t pay in full, file your return as soon as possible. Filing promptly will reduce the late-filing penalty, which is significantly higher than the late-payment penalty.
Step 2 – Pay what you can
Paying even part of your tax bill reduces interest and penalties. You can make payments directly at IRS.gov/payments.
Step 3 – Set up a payment plan
If you can’t pay your full tax bill now, you may qualify for an installment agreement. Options include:
- Short-term payment plan: For those who can pay within 180 days.
- Long-term payment plan: For balances that need more than 180 days to resolve.
Apply online at IRS.gov/paymentplan.
If you’re owed a refund
The good news?
There’s no penalty for filing late if the IRS owes you a refund. But you must file within three years to claim it – otherwise, you forfeit the money.
Refunds and earned income tax credit
You may still be eligible for valuable tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit, even if you missed the deadline. But you must file to claim them.
Already requested an extension?
If you filed Form 4868 for an automatic six-month extension, your new deadline is October 15, 2025. But remember – an extension to file is not an extension to pay.
Any taxes owed were still due on April 15, and interest and penalties apply to unpaid amounts.
If you live abroad
U.S. citizens and resident aliens living abroad get an automatic two-month extension, making their deadline June 17, 2025.
No need to file a request, but interest on unpaid taxes still starts from April 15.
Special circumstances
Taxpayers in disaster areas
Those in federally declared disaster zones may have extended deadlines. Check IRS disaster relief for updates.
Military service members
Certain members of the military may qualify for additional time based on deployment or duty station. Details are available on the Armed Forces Tax Guide (Publication 3).
Avoid future issues
- File early: Don’t wait until the last minute next year.
- Use IRS Free File or tax professionals: Free File is available through October 15 for those who qualify.
- Keep records organized: Save time and avoid errors by keeping your documents in order year-round.
Final takeaway
If you missed the April 15 tax deadline, the key is to act now. File your return, pay what you can, and work with the IRS to arrange a payment plan if necessary.
The sooner you file, the less you’ll owe in penalties – and the sooner you can move on.
Need help? TFX specializes in complex filing scenarios, including late filers, expats, and cross-border taxpayers. Get in touch with our team today.
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