For 2025 income taxes filed in 2026, most U.S. individual taxpayers have until April 15, 2026 to file their federal return or request an extension.

Quick Scoop

  • Regular deadline:
    • Federal 2025 Form 1040 is due Wednesday, April 15, 2026 for most people.
  • Extension deadline:
    • If you file an extension (Form 4868) by April 15, 2026 , you usually have until October 15, 2026 to actually file the return.
* An extension gives you more time to **file** , but **not more time to pay**. Any tax you owe is still due April 15, 2026, or you can face penalties and interest.
  • When tax season starts:
    • For the 2026 season (covering 2025 income), the IRS starts accepting returns in late January 2026 (some sources specify around Jan. 26).

Mini breakdown: “How long do I have?”

Think of it in three windows:

  1. Earliest you can file
    • Late January 2026, once the IRS opens e‑filing.
 * You generally need to wait for your **W‑2s and 1099s** , which must be sent out by **Jan. 31, 2026**.
  1. Standard filing window
    • From late January 2026 up to April 15, 2026.
  1. If you extend
    • File an extension by April 15, 2026 , and you typically have until October 15, 2026 to turn in the return.
 * But you should **estimate and pay** any tax due by April 15 to limit penalties.

What if you file late?

  • If you owe tax and file after April 15 with no extension, the IRS can charge:
    • A failure-to-file penalty.
    • A failure-to-pay penalty plus interest on the unpaid amount.
  • If you’re getting a refund , filing late usually does not result in a penalty, but you generally have a limited number of years to claim that refund.

Simple example

  • You worked a regular job in 2025.
  • In February 2026, you have your W‑2 and e‑file your return.
  • That’s well before the April 15, 2026 deadline, and if you’re due a refund and e‑file with direct deposit, you’ll typically get it within about 21 days.

Fast TL;DR

  • You can generally start filing: late January 2026.
  • Last day to file (or extend) without being “late”: April 15, 2026.
  • With an approved extension, last day to file the return: October 15, 2026 , but payment is still due April 15.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.