irs sets april 15 deadline for individual tax returns, no covid relief

• The standard IRS filing deadline for individual tax returns for the 2025 tax year is April 15, 2026.
• Taxpayers can request an extension to file Form 1040 until October 15, 2026, but taxes owed are still due by April 15, 2026.
• The IRS website should be regularly checked for updated information on filing deadlines and requirements, especially for disaster-related extensions.
• Failure to file a tax return or pay taxes on time can result in penalties and interest charges.

While there is no general extension of the filing deadline for individual tax returns due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2026 filing season, taxpayers who need more time to *file* their return can request an automatic six-month extension until October 15, 2026.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the standard filing deadline for individual tax returns for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026) as April 15, 2026. While taxpayers can request an extension to file Form 1040 until October 15, 2026, this extension applies only to the filing of the return, not to the payment of any taxes owed, which are still due by April 15, 2026. Both paper and electronic filings are subject to these deadlines.

The IRS is responsible for enforcing federal tax laws and regulations. Under the Tax Code, individual taxpayers are generally required to file a tax return by April 15th of each year. The IRS has the authority to grant extensions to this deadline in certain circumstances, such as federally declared disaster areas. In previous years, such as 2020 and 2021, the IRS did extend deadlines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing additional relief measures for taxpayers.

While there is no general extension of the filing deadline for individual tax returns due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2026 filing season, taxpayers who need more time to *file* their return can request an automatic six-month extension until October 15, 2026, by filing Form 4868. However, it is essential for taxpayers to remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay, and any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15, 2026, to avoid penalties and interest charges. Lawyers should advise their clients to be aware of these deadlines and ensure timely submission of individual tax returns and payments to avoid any potential consequences.

Lawyers should advise clients to check the IRS website for updated filing deadlines and ensure timely submission of individual tax returns to avoid penalties.

Source: Original reporting via IRS website