Overview

• The April 15 deadline for filing 2024 federal tax returns has passed, but taxpayers can still request a six-month extension to file by October 15, 2025, while payments remain due by the original deadline.
• IRS operational efficiency has been impacted by staff reductions and internal conflicts tied to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), raising concerns over processing delays and data security.
• Free electronic filing tools, such as IRS Free File and Direct File, remain available to assist taxpayers in filing accurately and tracking refunds, which are typically processed within 21 days for e-filings.
• Failure to file or pay taxes by the deadline incurs penalties, with a 5% monthly failure-to-file penalty and a 0.5% monthly failure-to-pay penalty, both capped at 25% of unpaid taxes.
• Taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas, including parts of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and other states, are granted extended deadlines ranging from May 1 to November 3, 2025.