Essential Guide to IRS Tax Return Due Dates for 2025 Filing in 2026
- sustaintaxpro
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
Filing your tax return on time is crucial to avoid penalties and interest charges. Knowing the exact due dates for submitting your 2025 tax return to the IRS in 2026 helps you plan ahead and stay compliant. This guide breaks down the key deadlines, explains extensions, and offers practical tips to make your tax filing process smoother.
When Is the Tax Return Due for 2025?
The IRS sets specific deadlines each year for filing individual tax returns. For the 2025 tax year, the deadline to file your federal income tax return is April 15, 2026. This date applies to most taxpayers, including individuals and sole proprietors.
If April 15 falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. In 2026, April 15 is a Wednesday, so the deadline remains unchanged.
Why Meeting This Deadline Matters
Filing by the deadline helps you avoid:
Late filing penalties: The IRS charges a penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax for each month your return is late, up to 25%.
Late payment penalties: If you owe taxes and don’t pay by the deadline, the IRS charges 0.5% per month on the unpaid amount.
Interest charges: Interest accrues on unpaid taxes from the due date until payment.
Filing on time also ensures you receive any refunds promptly.
What If You Need More Time? Filing Extensions Explained
If you cannot file your 2025 tax return by April 15, 2026, the IRS allows you to request an extension. This gives you an additional six months to file your return, moving the deadline to October 15, 2026.
How to Request an Extension
You can request an extension by submitting Form 4868 electronically or by mail by the original filing deadline. This form grants extra time to file but does not extend the time to pay any taxes owed. Contact me to extend the time for you.
Important Notes About Extensions
You must estimate and pay any taxes you owe by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
The extension only applies to filing the return, not paying taxes.
If you miss the extension deadline, penalties and interest will apply from April 15.
Special Due Dates for Other Taxpayers
Self-Employed Individuals and Estimated Taxes
Self-employed taxpayers who pay estimated quarterly taxes should keep these dates in mind for 2026:
April 15, 2026: First quarter estimated tax payment due for 2026.
June 15, 2026: Second quarter estimated tax payment due.
September 15, 2026: Third quarter estimated tax payment due.
January 15, 2027: Fourth quarter estimated tax payment due.
Paying estimated taxes on time helps avoid underpayment penalties.
Corporations and Other Entities
Corporations generally file their tax returns by the 15th day of the fourth month after the end of their tax year. For calendar-year corporations, this means April 15, 2026 for the 2025 tax year. Partnerships and S corporations file by March 15, 2026.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the tax return deadline can lead to several consequences:
Failure-to-file penalty: 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%.
Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month.
Interest on unpaid taxes: Calculated daily from the due date.
If you cannot pay your taxes in full, it’s better to file on time and pay what you can. The IRS offers payment plans and options to reduce penalties.
Tips to Prepare for Filing Your 2025 Tax Return
Organize Your Documents Early
Gather all necessary documents such as:
W-2s from employers
1099 forms for other income
Records of deductible expenses
Receipts for tax credits
Use IRS Tools and Resources
The IRS website provides helpful tools like:
Where’s My Refund? to track refunds
Free File for eligible taxpayers to file electronically
Important Notice
Not everyone is eligible. Please contact me to prepare your return and file it. I will support you at all steps.
Consider Professional Help
If your tax situation is complex, hiring a tax professional can save time and reduce errors. They can also help you identify deductions and credits you might miss.
How to File Your Tax Return
You can file your 2025 tax return in 2026 by:
E-filing: The fastest and most secure method. Most taxpayers receive refunds quicker this way.
Make sure to keep copies of your filed return and all supporting documents for at least three years.
Summary of Key IRS Tax Return Due Dates for 2026
| Tax Return Type | Due Date | Extension Deadline |
|-------------------------------|--------------------|---------------------|
| Individual (Form 1040) | April 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026 |
| Partnership (Form 1065) | March 15, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
| S Corporation (Form 1120S) | March 15, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
| Corporation (Form 1120) | April 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026 |
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