Extension Deadlines Are Nearing For Tax Year 2024

Published on October 1, 2025 at 3:34 PM

Filing taxes on time is important, but life happens. For the 2024 tax year, here's what you should know about requesting extensions, key dates, and avoiding penalties.

Two Weeks Left! What You Need to Know About the October 15th Tax Extension Deadline

If you filed for a tax extension back in April, the clock is ticking—your final deadline to submit your 2024 tax return is just two weeks away: October 15, 2025.

Whether you’re a freelancer, business owner, or busy professional who needed more time, here’s what you must know (and do!) before the deadline hits.

🗓️ What’s Due on October 15th?

October 15, 2025 is the final deadline to:

File your federal individual income tax return (Form 1040) if you received an automatic 6-month extension by April 15th.
Submit any necessary attachments, schedules, or documentation.

IMPORTANT:
The extension only gave you more time to file, not to pay. Any unpaid taxes should’ve been paid by April 15, 2025 to avoid penalties and interest. But filing now still prevents further penalties for not filing.

Act now, because the clock is winding down. With just two weeks until the tax extension deadline, now is the time to buckle down and get your filings in order (or finalize your plans to do so). In this post, we’ll break down what you need to know, what to watch out for, and how to make the most of the remaining days.

📅 What’s the Deal with Tax Extensions?

When taxpayers need more time, they can request a six-month extension to file their federal individual income tax return. That generally pushes the deadline from mid-April to October 15.
Importantly: this extension is only for filing, not for paying. If you owe taxes, they were due by the original deadline (April 15 in many years) to avoid interest and penalties.
The extension must be requested by the regular filing deadline (for individuals, April 15) via Form 4868, or through electronic methods (IRS Free File, e-filing, etc.)

So, if you already filed the extension, your new “hard deadline” to complete and submit your return is fast approaching. If you haven’t yet secured an extension, you’re may be in danger of steeper penalties for late filing.

⚠️ Watch Out for These Pitfalls

Underpaying your estimated tax: If your estimate is too low, you'll face penalties and interest on the shortfall.
Missing the extension request: You must request the extension by the original deadline (April 15). You can’t retroactively extend.
Failing to account for state taxes: Some states honor the federal extension; others require a separate extension filing.
Rushing without review: Errors late in the game — like misreported income or missed deductions — often lead to audits or corrections down the road.
Overconfidence in “deadline relief”: Unless your situation triggers disaster relief or special rules, the IRS expects you to play by the schedule.

What Happens If I Miss the Deadline?

Failing to file by October 15 means:

You may face a failure-to-file penalty (5% of your unpaid tax per month, up to 25%)
Additional interest continues to accrue daily
You risk delays in processing refunds or loan applications tied to tax documentation
If you owe and don’t file, it could raise red flags with the IRS
File Now to avoid additional negative consequences.