Tax extension deadlines & penalties: What you need to know

Key takeaways

• The filing deadline for 2024 Federal tax returns is April 15, 2025, unless you’ve been i a Federally declared disaster, like the wildfires in California.
• In most cases, you’ll file state and Federal tax returns at the same time. However, some state deadlines vary.
• In some states, you must request a state tax extension, even if you’ve already requested a Federal extension.
• All states that have income tax offer tax filing deadline extensions.
  If you fail to file an extension, and you owe tax, you may face a failure-to-file penalty.
• For Federal taxes, the failure to file penalty is 5% of the unpaid taxes. If filing is 60 days or more overdue there is a minimum penalty of the lesser of $510 or 100% of the unpaid taxes.
• On top of the tax you owe, the IRS will add two additional fees every month: a 5% failure to file fee plus a 0.5% late payment penalty.
• You may qualify for penalty relief if you have filed and paid on time for the past three years and meet other important requirements, including paying or arranging to pay any tax due.

When is the Federal filing deadline this year?

Tuesday April 15, 2025, is the Federal filing deadline for the 2024 tax returns. Holidays sometimes impact the tax deadline, but not this year. For example, the 2025 Emancipation Day celebration is April 16, 2025, so it doesn’t impact tax return filing deadlines. The possible exception is if you are in a Federally designated disaster area. Check with irs.gov or your local Tax Pro for more information.  

When are state taxes due?  

Usually, you should file Federal and any state returns at the same time, but some state deadlines vary. If you're wondering if you can file your state taxes before your Federal taxes, a Tax Pro can help you with your situation. You can mail Federal and state returns separately and in any chosen order. However, most e-file programs will not remit a state return before the Federal.  

Will the deadline for my state taxes also be extended if I receive a Federal tax extension? 

This varies by state. Some states, including Wisconsin, Alabama, and California, offer automatic extensions to file your state income tax return without having to file any other forms. Certain states, like New York, will grant you an extension, but you must request it.  Reach out to a local Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro and your state tax authority to confirm the steps you will need to follow. For the nine states that do not impose a state income tax, you don’t even have to file an income tax return, let alone request an extension 

Can I get an extension for my state return?  

Yes. Residents in 41 states, plus the District of Columbia, must file state tax returns and those states all allow extensions. Individual states have their own rules for whether the extension is automatic or if you must request one. Also, your state’s deadline may not be the same as the Federal filing deadline. Ask your local Tax Pro or check with your state tax agencies for those details. 

What happens if I don’t file a Federal tax extension?  

If you don’t file an extension AND your tax return, don’t panic. File your tax return as soon as you’re able. You can’t file an extension after Tax Day, but you can file your tax return ASAP. If you owe, you’ll most likely get hit with a failure-to-file penalty, but it’s important not put it off any longer. You might face the failure-to-file penalty, which is generally 5% of the unpaid tax amount each month, and it caps out at 25%. Late filers are assessed the failure-to-file penalty for each month they did not file. Generally, a Federal return that is due a refund does not get this penalty. However, some states do penalize refund returns that are filed late. You might also get hit with the failure-to-pay penalty, which is a penalty if at least 90% of your expected taxes due that are not paid by the tax deadline This penalty is much less costly; it starts at 0.5% or 1/2 a percent of unpaid taxes each month, and it also caps out at 25%. So, it’s less costly monthly, but it does add up fast over time. And interest is compounded daily, meaning that the numbers grow fast. So, the longer you wait to file and pay, the more you’ll pay in penalties. 

What are the penalties if I don’t file an extension?  

If you think you may owe, but missed the deadline without requesting an extension, you should file your return and pay as soon as possible to limit penalties and interest. If you owe and don’t file on time, the IRS imposes two forms of penalties. When there is a balance due, you are subject to the failure-to-file penalty, which is normally 5% of your unpaid tax. This penalty won’t exceed 25% of your unpaid tax. Then there’s the failure-to-pay penalty, which is usually 0.5% of your unpaid tax. The IRS calculates this penalty based on how long your taxes are overdue and unpaid. Unpaid tax is the amount of taxes left after subtracting amounts paid through withholding, estimated tax payments, and allowed refundable credits. The failure-to-pay penalty will not exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes. During the period when you owe both penalties, they are combined so they don’t exceed a total of 25% per month. Penalties are assessed every month, or partial month, until you file your return and pay your taxes. And on top of these penalties, you’ll owe interest. Because of this, if you think you’ll owe, you should file your tax return as soon as possible and work out a payment plan if you’re unable to pay the lump sum all at once. A tax professional will know how to get you through this with the least amount of stress. 

What are the penalties for filing my taxes late?  

For Federal taxes, the failure to file penalty is 5% of the unpaid taxes. If filing is 60 days or more overdue there is a minimum penalty of the lesser of $510 or 100% of the unpaid taxes. The penalty increases 5% a month until the taxes are paid, or the penalty reaches 25% of the unpaid taxes. The penalty for filing late is higher than the penalty for paying late. Work with a Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro to figure out your state penalties. 

What would it cost me to both file and pay my taxes late?  

On top of the taxes you owe, the IRS will add two additional fees every month: a 5% failure to file fee plus a 0.5% late payment penalty. The IRS will continue to add penalties and interest until you pay in full, and it adds up fast. Can’t pay right away? Consider an IRS Installment Agreement. You can set one up through your irs.gov account. 

First-time penalty abatement  

You may qualify for penalty relief if you have filed and paid on time for the past three years and meet other important requirements, including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, work with your tax professional who can guide you through the rules around first-time penalty abatement. Whether you need to file an extension, you’re filing late, you need to set up a payment plan, or you’re worried about penalties or interest on overdue tax, Jackson Hewitt Tax Pros are here to help. Schedule your appointment to talk taxes today. 

About the Author

Mark Steber is Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Officer for Jackson Hewitt. With over 30 years of experience, he oversees tax service delivery, quality assurance and tax law adherence. Mark is Jackson Hewitt’s national spokesperson and liaison to the Internal Revenue Service and other government authorities. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), holds registrations in Alabama and Georgia, and is an expert on consumer income taxes including electronic tax and tax data protection.

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