Missed the Tax Deadline? Here’s How to File a Tax Extension Today

Author: Matthew
Date: Apr 17, 2025
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Forgot to file your taxes by April 15? Don’t panic—millions of Americans are in the same boat. Whether you were busy, waiting on a missing document, need help organizing your finances, or simply forgot, here’s the good news: you can still file a tax extension and avoid massive penalties. Here’s how to do it in 10 minutes or less. 

First of all, let me explain Tax Extension to you in a plain and straight way.

✅ What Is a Tax Extension? 

A tax extension gives you more time to file your federal tax return—until October 15, 2025. But here's the catch: 

 A tax extension gives you more time to file, NOT more time to pay. 

If you owe taxes, you still need to estimate and pay what you owe by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties. The extension just gives you breathing room to complete and submit your paperwork later.

Now you've clear what is Tax Extension, here are 3 main Deadlines you should know.

📅 2025 Tax Extension Deadlines You Should Know 

Original Tax Deadline: April 15, 2025 

New Filing Deadline if Extended: October 15, 2025

👉 Heads-up: State tax deadlines vary. Some states honor your federal extension, others don't. Double-check your state's tax site.

U.S. citizens, resident aliens and members of the military on duty who live outside of the U.S. are granted an automatic extension of two months. Military servicemembers serving in combat zones are given 180 days after they leave the area to file and pay their tax returns.

This year, the IRS also extended the deadline for 13 states due to natural disasters in those areas. All taxpayers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and certain locations in Alaska, New Mexico, and Virginia have until May 1 to file their returns. Taxpayers in California's Los Angeles County have until October 15. And people in Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as in certain counties in West Virginia, have until November 3 to file.  ( CBSNews on how to file an extension ) 

🔧 How to File a Tax Extension in Minutes (Step-by-Step)

1. File Online Using IRS Free File 

✅ Visit: IRS Free File Extension Fill out Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return). It's quick and free. 

2. Use Tax Software 

Most tax platforms offer one-click extension filing. Here are a few trusted ones: 

TurboTax Extension Filing 

H&R Block Extension

TaxSlayer or FreeTaxUSA

These tools also help you estimate what you owe, so you can avoid penalties even if you're filing late.

3. Work With a Tax Pro 

If your taxes are complex—business income, crypto, multiple states—it might be worth hiring help. 

Smart Plug: Try these AI tax prep tools that pair you with experts: 

FlyFin: AI Tax for Freelancers →

April: AI-Powered Tax Advisor → 

💸 What If You Don't File Anything?

If you neither file nor pay, the IRS charges: 

Late filing penalty: 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25% 

Late payment penalty: 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25% 

Interest: Variable, currently around 8% annually 

📉 Example: If you owe $2,000 and don't file or pay, you could rack up $100–$200 in penalties just by June.

Pro Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes 

❌ Don't assume an extension = no payment 

 ✅ Pay what you estimate now, even if it's rough 

 ❌ Don't forget your state taxes 

 ✅ Always save a confirmation when you file your extension

💼 Bonus: Free Tools That Make Tax Season Way Less Painful 

1. Monarch Money, Smart budgeting + tax-ready reports, Try Free → 

2. Keeper Tax, Finds tax write-offs automatically, Start Now → 

3. SnapTax, Snap your receipts, file in minutes, Use Tool →

Final Thoughts 

If you missed the tax deadline, it's not the end of the world. What matters is what you do now. File an extension, estimate your payment, and take a breath. You've still got time to get everything right—and now you know how. 

About Matthew
Hi, I’m Matthew, a data analyst and blogger with a deep focus on mobile app trends, especially in the Android space. On Sequone’s blog, I dig into the rankings, performance, and data insights behind top apps and games to help developers, marketers, and tech enthusiasts stay on top of industry shifts.

I love sharing funny Apps or games so as to add joy in your life or enhance your productivity. My goal is to provide clear, actionable insights that make understanding Google Play trends easier and empower creators to succeed in a competitive market.

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