Missed the April 15th Deadline? Here’s What You Need to Do
The tax filing deadline for most Americans is April 15th. However, if you missed the deadline, don’t panic. You still have options to file your taxes and avoid penalties.
File an Extension
If you are unable to file your taxes by April 15th, you can file for an extension. This will give you an additional six months to file your return, until October 15th. To file for an extension, you can use Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You can also file for an extension online using the IRS website.
File a Late Return
If you do not file for an extension, you can still file a late return. However, you may be charged a penalty for filing late. The penalty is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.
Pay Your Taxes
Even if you file a late return, you should still pay your taxes as soon as possible. This will help you avoid additional penalties and interest. You can pay your taxes online using the IRS website, or you can mail a check or money order to the IRS.
Get Help
If you need help filing your taxes, there are a number of resources available to you. You can contact the IRS directly, or you can get help from a tax professional. There are also a number of free tax preparation services available to low-income taxpayers.
Don’t Wait
If you missed the April 15th tax filing deadline, don’t wait to file your taxes. The sooner you file, the sooner you can avoid penalties and interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t file my taxes?
If you don’t file your taxes, you may be charged a penalty for filing late. The penalty is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. You may also be charged interest on the unpaid tax.
What if I can’t pay my taxes?
If you can’t pay your taxes, you can contact the IRS to set up a payment plan. A payment plan will allow you to pay your taxes over time.
Can I get help filing my taxes?
Yes, there are a number of resources available to help you file your taxes. You can contact the IRS directly, or you can get help from a tax professional. There are also a number of free tax preparation services available to low-income taxpayers.
What if I have more questions?
If you have more questions, you can contact the IRS directly or visit the IRS website.
What happens when you file your tax returns LATE!
FAQ
How late can you file taxes?
What happens if you miss the tax deadline?
Can you file taxes after April 18?
What’s the longest you can go without filing taxes?
What happens if I file my tax return late?
If you file your tax return late, the IRS may assess the failure-to-file penalty for the unpaid tax due on the original due date (not the tax extension due date ). Unpaid tax is the tax required to be reported on your return, minus any withholding, estimated tax payments and refundable credits.
Is it too late to file a 2019 tax return?
Tax Tip 2023-73, May 30, 2023 — It’s not too late for the 1.5 million taxpayers with unclaimed 2019 refunds to claim their cash, but they need to file soon. The IRS extended the deadline for 2019 tax returns to July 17, 2023.
What if I can’t file taxes on time?
If you can’t file on time, you should file an extension by the tax deadline. This will push back the tax filing deadline and protect you from possible failure-to-file penalties. If you missed the filing deadline, didn’t file for an extension, and owe income taxes, you may face a late filing penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax per month, plus interest.
Is it too late to claim a 2019 tax refund?
It’s not too late for the 1.5 million taxpayers with unclaimed 2019 refunds to claim their cash, but they need to file soon. The IRS extended the deadline for 2019 tax returns to July 17, 2023. Taxpayers usually have three years to file and claim their tax refunds.