You generally file your U.S. federal income taxes once a year, during “tax season,” which runs from late January until Tax Day in mid‑April for the previous calendar year’s income.

Key filing dates

  • For most individuals (calendar‑year filers), federal returns are due on or around April 15 for the prior year’s income (for example, 2025 income is due around April 15, 2026).
  • Tax season usually opens in late January, when the IRS begins accepting e‑filed returns; many people file anytime between late January and early April, as soon as they have all their forms (W‑2s, 1099s, etc.).

Extensions and late filing

  • You can request an automatic extension (commonly to about October 15) using Form 4868, which gives you more time to file the paperwork but not more time to pay.
  • Any taxes owed are still due by the regular April deadline; paying after that date can lead to interest and penalties, even if your filing extension is approved.

Other situations

  • If you use a fiscal year (uncommon for individuals), your return is generally due by the 15th day of the fourth month after your fiscal year ends.
  • U.S. taxpayers living abroad and certain expats often have special automatic extensions and additional rules, but their underlying payment deadline is still tied to the April date unless otherwise specified.

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