IRS warns extension filers not to wait for October 15

The IRS is urging taxpayers who received extensions for their 2025 federal income-tax returns to file before October 15, 2026, rather than waiting until the deadline. The agency issued the reminder on August 26 as the remaining filing window narrows.

The key point is easy to miss: an extension gives taxpayers more time to file, but it does not give them more time to pay. For most calendar-year taxpayers, federal taxes were generally due April 15, 2026, even when an extension was granted.

October 15 is generally the filing deadline

The October 15 deadline generally applies to taxpayers who validly requested a federal extension or otherwise qualify for the extended deadline. It is not an automatic deadline for every taxpayer.

The IRS extension-request process for tax year 2025 was available only through June 15, 2026. The current task for taxpayers who already received an extension is to complete and submit the return, not to request another extension through that same process.

Taxpayers whose records are ready should consider filing before October 15. Filing earlier can leave more time to correct errors, respond to questions or address payment issues.

An extension does not postpone payment

Anyone who still owes federal income tax should pay as much as possible as soon as possible. Unpaid balances may lead to penalties and interest, and a partial payment can reduce the amount still subject to additional charges.

The IRS provides online payment options and account information for taxpayers checking what remains due. Questions about a specific penalty, payment arrangement or filing obligation may require information from IRS.gov or advice from a qualified tax professional.

Free filing options remain available

Taxpayers with 2025 adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less may be eligible to use IRS Free File guided tax software through October 15, 2026. The guided option provides step-by-step preparation and allows eligible taxpayers to submit federal returns electronically at no cost.

Taxpayers above that income threshold may use Free File Fillable Forms if they are comfortable preparing and filing their own returns. Those forms are not the same as guided tax preparation, so users should understand the difference before choosing an option.

What extension filers should do now

Taxpayers can use the remaining weeks to gather income documents, review deductions and credits, and check their IRS online account or transcripts if information is missing. They should also estimate whether they will owe money or receive a refund before submitting the return.

For taxpayers expecting refunds, the IRS recommends electronic filing and direct deposit. Those choices generally offer a faster way to receive a refund than filing on paper and requesting a paper check, although processing times can vary.

State tax deadlines and extension rules may differ from federal requirements. Taxpayers should confirm whether a separate state return, payment or extension is required.

The IRS reminder does not change the federal tax deadlines. It is a warning to taxpayers who already have additional time to file that October 15 is approaching—and that the payment obligation generally began months earlier.

Sources

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