Tax
IRS 2025 Tax Deadlines: What Time Are Taxes Due on April 15 and How to File an IRS Tax Extension

Tax season is one of those things that creeps up faster than expected. One minute it’s New Year’s, and before you know it, you’re asking yourself, what time are taxes due on April 15 this year? If you’re still scrambling to get your paperwork in order, or considering an IRS tax extension, this guide will clear things up for you.
When Are Taxes Due in 2025?
For most taxpayers, the 2025 tax deadline falls on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. This is the last day to file your federal income tax return and pay any tax you owe to avoid penalties and interest.
Now, a common question around this time of year is: Are taxes due April 15 at midnight? The answer is YES, but with a bit of a technicality. Your return needs to be electronically filed by 11:59 p.m. in your local time zone. If you’re mailing a paper return, it must be postmarked by April 15 to count as on time.
What Time Are Taxes Due on April 15, 2025?
If you’re e-filing, you have right up until 11:59 p.m. local time on April 15, 2025, to submit your return. It’s worth noting that waiting until the very last minute isn’t always a good idea. Heavy online traffic near the deadline can slow things down, and any technical hiccups could cost you a late filing penalty.
For those sending paper returns, make sure it’s postmarked by the end of the day on April 15, which means it needs to be handed over to the US Postal Service or an approved delivery service by their final pick-up time.
What If You Can’t File on Time? IRS Tax Extension Option
Life happens, and sometimes getting your taxes sorted by mid-April just isn’t possible. The good news is the IRS offers a tax extension that gives you extra time to file your return.
By filing an IRS taxes extension, you can extend your filing deadline by six months, moving it to October 15, 2025. However, there’s an important detail to remember: an extension to file is not an extension to pay. You still need to estimate your tax liability and pay what you owe by April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties and interest.
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How to File a Tax Extension in 2025
Filing for an IRS tax extension is simple. Here’s how to do it:
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E-file Form 4868: This is the official IRS form to request an automatic extension. You can file it electronically using tax software or through your tax professional.
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Pay Electronically: If you make a tax payment through IRS Direct Pay or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), you can select the option to file an extension as part of your payment.
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Mail Form 4868: If you prefer paper, download Form 4868 from the IRS website, fill it out, and postmark it by April 15, 2025.
Once filed, you’ll have until October 15, 2025, to submit your completed tax return.
Important 2025 Tax Deadlines to Remember
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April 15, 2025: Deadline to file your 2024 federal tax return and pay any taxes owed.
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April 15, 2025: Deadline to file Form 4868 for a tax extension.
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October 15, 2025: Extended tax filing deadline for those who requested an IRS tax extension.
Final Thoughts on IRS Tax 2025
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful if you stay on top of key dates. Now that you know what time taxes are due on April 15, 2025, and how to file a tax extension if you need one, you can plan ahead and avoid unnecessary penalties. Whether you’re hitting submit at 11:59 p.m. or taking advantage of the tax extension deadline 2025, just make sure your paperwork’s in order and your payments are sorted.
Consider working with a tax professional, especially if your financial situation is a bit more complicated this year.
