When to File Taxes for the 2024 Tax Year

## Important Deadlines ### Standard Filing Deadline The standard deadline for filing your 2024 tax return is **Monday, April 15, 2025**. This applies to most individual taxpayers filing Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. ### Extended Deadlines If you need more time, you can request an automatic extension using [Form 4868](https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868), which gives you until **October 15, 2025** to file. However, remember that: - An extension of time to file is *not* an extension of time to pay - Any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15, 2025 - Interest and penalties may apply to unpaid balances ### Special Circumstances Due to the Patriots' Day holiday, taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts have until **April 17, 2025** to file their returns. The IRS may announce extended deadlines for areas affected by natural disasters. Check the [IRS disaster relief page](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations) for updates. ## Filing Status and Requirements Your filing status and number of dependents can impact your tax filing deadline. For example, if you are married and filing jointly, you will need to file your taxes together. You can use the [IRS Filing Status](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501) guide to determine your filing status and the number of dependents you can claim. ## Required Documents Before filing, ensure you have: ### Income Documents - W-2 forms from employers - 1099 forms for contract work - Investment income statements - Social Security benefit statements ### Deduction Documentation - Mortgage interest statements - Property tax records - Charitable donation receipts - Education expense records ## Early Filing Benefits Filing early offers several advantages: * Faster refunds * More time to pay if you owe taxes * Reduced risk of tax identity theft * Better access to tax professionals * Time to correct any filing errors ## Digital Filing Options Most taxpayers can file electronically through: * [IRS Free File](https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free) (if income is $73,000 or less) * Commercial tax preparation software * Professional tax preparers * IRS e-file system ## Payment Options If you owe taxes, several payment methods are available: 1. Direct bank transfer 2. Credit or debit card 3. IRS payment plans 4. Check or money order If you are unable to pay your taxes in full, you can set up a payment plan using the [IRS Online Account](https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals). You can also use the [IRS Payment Plan Calculator](https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application) to estimate your monthly payments. > "File even if you can't pay. The failure-to-file penalty is typically more expensive than the failure-to-pay penalty." - IRS Guidelines ## Late Filing Penalties Failing to file on time can result in significant penalties: ``` Failure to file: 5% of unpaid taxes per month Failure to pay: 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month Maximum combined penalty: 47.5% of unpaid taxes ``` You can use the [IRS Penalty Calculator](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator) to estimate any penalties you may owe. Remember to keep copies of all tax documents for at least three years after filing. This helps protect you in case of future audits or questions about your return.

When to File Taxes for the 2024 Tax Year

Related articles