Oct. 15 is the tax filing extension deadline. What to know

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FILE-A tax filer receives help in preparing her income tax forms on March 29, 2025. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Taxpayers who need extra time to file an extension on their taxes have one day left to avoid the cutoff date. 

The IRS explains on its website that taxpayers who asked for an extension by the April 15 tax filing due date have until Wednesday, Oct. 15 to file without penalties, even as the government shutdown enters its second week.

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FOX Business reported that while extensions give taxpayers more time to file, they don't receive additional time to pay what they owe and must pay taxes due on April 15 of this year to avoid being impacted by penalties and interest.

The IRS furloughed half of its workforce this month because of the government shutdown, but the agency established a shutdown contingency plan to keep some customer service agents at work.

How can I request an extension?

Why you should care:

The IRS has outlined three options for taxpayers to request an extension for their taxes. 

• Request an extension using IRS Free File on IRS.gov. The IRS states that individual filers can use the program to request an extension, regardless of income and at no cost to them.
• Pay online and click on extension. Taxpayers can pay what they owe using an online payment option, then click on extension as the reason for the payment.
• Request an extension by mail. According to the IRS, taxpayer need to file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You can file by mail, online with an IRS e-filing partner or through a tax professional.

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Are there automatic extensions for some taxpayers?

Big picture view:

According to the IRS, some taxpayers will automatically get more time to file their tax return, even if they don’t ask for an extension. 

 And these individuals are listed below:

• Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two-month extension to file. This year they have until June 16 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15, or interest will be charged. Details are available in Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide.
• The IRS noted that those serving in combat zones have about 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file tax returns and pay any taxes due.
• U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an automatic two-month extension of time to file their tax returns. This year they have until June 16 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15, or interest will be charged, according to the IRS.
• Taxpayers in certain federally declared disaster areas may also have an automatic extension to both file and pay. According to the IRS, taxpayers in these areas are not required to submit an extension request. Information on the most recent tax relief for disaster situations is available on IRS.gov.