US Tax Deadline: When are the taxes due in 2025? Check Details Here

Tax time in 2025 is getting close, and a lot of folks might be wondering if they can get a bit more time to file. The IRS knows everyone's situation is different, and they've even said they think more people will be getting help from tax pros this year, which is a good idea to make sure things are done right. So we don't end up getting scammed—good looking out, IRS.

So, this article is here to tell you exactly when you need to file in 2025 and how to ask for extra time if you need it.

When is the main tax deadline in the US for 2025?

Mark this one down: Tuesday, April 15, 2025. That's the main date most of us have to get our 2024 tax returns in.

Even though April 15th is the official deadline date, a whole bunch of people actually get their taxes done way earlier. By April 4, 2025, the IRS had already seen over 101 million individual tax returns land on their virtual doorstep! They were even guessing they'd see over 140 million in total before the final deadline rolled around. Go figure!

Are There Any Delayed Deadlines for Certain States?

The answer is yes; in the event of a significant natural disaster, such as a hurricane or wildfire, the Internal Revenue Service may extend tax filing and payment deadlines. This provision allows individuals additional time to address their obligations amidst challenging circumstances.

Here's a quick rundown of some of those deadline extensions that were announced for the 2024 tax year (the ones we're all dealing with in 2025):

Alright, how do I know if I get this extra time because of a disaster?

• Go Check Out the IRS Website: They've got a section with news updates for each state. Just find your state and see if there's any disaster relief info that applies to you. (Look for something like "IRS News Releases by State" – you might have to poke around their site a bit to find those specific disaster pages.).
• Dive into the IRS Disaster Relief Page: The IRS also has a page with a bunch of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that's super helpful if you've been affected by a disaster.
• Pick Up the Phone and Call the IRS:
• Have general questions about your taxes? Give 'em a ring at 1-800-829-1040.
• Got business tax questions swirling around? Dial 1-800-829-4933.

Okay, so what exactly is a tax extension anyway?

Think of a tax extension like hitting the pause button on your federal tax return for six extra months. So, instead of that looming April 15, 2025, date, you'd get until October 15, 2025, to send in your paperwork.

Now, listen up; this is key: An extension gives you more time to file your return, but it does not give you more time to pay any taxes you might owe. That payment is still due on the original April 15 deadline. Don't get those two mixed up!

How Do You Ask for This Tax Extension Thing?

There are three main ways to throw your hat in the ring for an extension:

• Use the Magic of IRS Free File: You can ask for an automatic extension online for free through the IRS Free File program on their website. It's pretty slick.
• Pay Electronically and Get a Bonus Extension: If you end up paying your taxes online through one of the official IRS payment methods (like Direct Pay, credit or debit card, or EFTPS), you can usually indicate that the payment is for an extension. Bam! Automatic extension.
• Bring Out the Official Form 4868:
• This is the actual paper form, officially called "Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return" (if you own a business, there's a different form called Form 7004).
• You can mail this form in the old-fashioned way, file it electronically using tax software or through a tax preparer who files electronically with the IRS, or just have your tax person handle the whole thing for you.
• What you'll need for Form 4868: your name, your address, your Social Security number, and your best guess of how much total tax you'll owe and how much you've already paid.
• Good news on this front—it doesn't cost you anything extra to file Form 4868.

What's the Deadline to Even Ask for an Extension?

You have to get your extension request in by the same day your taxes are due—that's Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Don't let that date slip by if you need the extra time!

So, Should You Even Bother Getting an Extension? Let's Weigh It Out.

Experts like Tyler Horn from Origin (a company that helps people manage their money) point out some pretty good reasons why hitting that extension button might be a smart move:

Pros:

• Take Your Time, No Rushing: It gives you the breathing room to file accurately and avoid those silly little mistakes that can cause trouble down the road.
• More Time to Round Up Papers: It buys you extra time if you're still waiting on important tax documents to show up, which is super common for folks who own businesses or have investments.
• Less Stress, Seriously: Let's be honest, taxes can feel like a huge weight. An extension can take some of that pressure off your shoulders. (Apparently, a lot of people admit they put off filing partly because they're stressed about the whole money thing.).

Cons, or Important Things to Remember:

• The Payment Clock Keeps Ticking: This is the big one; you have to drill it in. Getting an extension doesn't give you a free pass on paying if you owe. That payment is still due on April 15, 2025, to avoid those extra charges (interest and penalties). Take your best shot at figuring out what you owe and pay as much as you can by that original deadline.

Some Straight Talk from an Expert: "Seriously, don't panic. It's going to be alright. Just file for an extension if you genuinely need the extra time to get it right. Let's do this the smart way." - Tyler Horn

So, the bottom line? If you're feeling the crunch and need a bit more time to get your tax ducks in a row, grabbing an extension is a pretty smart move. Just remember that super important detail about figuring out what you owe and making that payment by the original April 15th deadline!