With the 2025 tax season officially closing on April 15, most taxpayers can now breathe a sigh of relief. However, not everyone’s tax journey is over. For those who applied for a filing extension, the new deadline to file is October 15, 2025. Extensions are more common than many realize and can be automatic in certain circumstances—especially for those impacted by natural disasters or living abroad. Let’s break down who qualifies, what to do if you missed the original deadline, and how disaster relief plays into IRS policy.
Can You Still Apply for a Tax Extension?
Unfortunately, no—once April 15, 2025, passed, the window to request an extension closed. IRS extensions must be filed before the tax deadline, not after. This is a common misconception among taxpayers who miss the filing deadline and hope to retroactively request more time.
It’s also important to understand what an extension does and doesn’t do:
- ✔️ It gives you more time to file your tax return—until October 15.
- ❌ It does not extend the time to pay your taxes. Any balance due was still owed by April 15.
If you missed both the filing deadline and the extension window, penalties and interest likely began accruing on any unpaid balance.
How to Apply for a Tax Filing Extension
If you did request an extension on time, you could have done so in one of the following ways:
| Extension Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Paid taxes online | Selecting the extension option when making a payment via IRS.gov |
| Used IRS Free File | Free tool available to most taxpayers |
| Filed Form 4868 (online or by mail) | Mailing the form is valid as long as it was postmarked by April 15 |
For U.S. citizens living abroad, the IRS automatically grants a two-month extension, pushing their filing deadline to June 15. This applies to both civilians and military personnel stationed overseas.
Disaster-Related Extensions: Who Qualifies?
If you live in an area officially declared a federal disaster zone, the IRS will typically automatically extend your tax deadlines—both to file and to pay. In 2025, the Southern California wildfires triggered one such exception.
If You Were Affected by the Southern California Wildfires:
- You automatically have until October 15, 2025, to file and pay federal taxes.
- This extension also applies to California state taxes.
- When submitting your state tax return by mail, write “Los Angeles Fire” on the form to alert state tax officials about your late filing status.
These provisions help disaster-affected individuals recover without the added stress of tax deadlines.
The Tax Gap and Late Filings
The IRS reports that around 15% to 18% of taxpayers annually fail to meet their tax obligations on time—a phenomenon referred to as the tax gap. While most people do comply, this gap reflects billions in unpaid taxes and is why the IRS actively enforces penalties.
If you’ve missed the deadline and haven’t paid, the best course of action is to pay as much as you can now and set up a payment plan. Ignoring your tax liability only worsens the financial consequences due to compounded interest and late payment penalties.
What To Do If You Can’t Pay Your Taxes
Owing taxes doesn’t mean you’re out of options. The IRS offers payment plans for taxpayers who can’t pay in full by the deadline. Here’s what you should do:
- Pay what you can upfront.
- Apply for a payment plan via the IRS website or by contacting them directly.
- Stay in communication with the IRS to avoid collections or legal action.
Failing to pay taxes is a federal offense, but the IRS is typically willing to work with taxpayers who take initiative to resolve their debt.
While the April 15 deadline has passed, many individuals—especially those affected by natural disasters or who filed an extension—still have time to submit their returns. Just remember: extensions only apply to filing, not paying. If you’re unsure about your filing status or need support with your tax situation, consult with a qualified tax professional or use IRS tools to stay informed.
FAQs
What if I was affected by the Southern California wildfires?
You automatically qualify for an extension to October 15, 2025, to both file and pay your federal and state taxes.
What happens if I don’t pay my taxes?
Penalties and interest will accrue. The IRS recommends paying what you can and setting up a payment plan to avoid further consequences.