What Happens If You Miss the April 15 Tax Deadline?
April 15, 2025, is the IRS deadline for filing your 2024 federal tax return. But what if that date comes and goes — and you haven’t filed?
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
If you owe taxes and don’t file, the IRS can assess two key penalties:
- Failure-to-File Penalty: Typically 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month your return is late, up to 25%.
- Failure-to-Pay Penalty: 0.5% per month of the unpaid balance, also capped at 25%.
Interest is also added to unpaid balances, compounding daily — making delay even more expensive.
What If You’re Due a Refund?
Good news: If you’re owed a refund and don’t file, there’s no penalty — but you must file within three years to claim it.
Your Next Step: File ASAP
Even if you can’t pay your full balance, file your return anyway to reduce penalties. You can also:
- Set up an IRS payment plan.
- Apply for a temporary hardship delay.
If you’re overseas, you may qualify for an automatic 2-month extension — but interest still applies on balances owed.
