Overview

• The federal tax filing deadline is April 15, 2025, with automatic extensions granted in disaster-affected areas, such as Florida and North Carolina, until May 1, 2025.
• IRS website errors, including incorrect extension payment deadlines, are causing confusion for taxpayers in the final days of the filing season.
• Tax experts emphasize filing on time to avoid steep penalties, which can reach up to 25% of the unpaid balance, even if the full amount cannot be paid immediately.
• The IRS promotes electronic filing tools, such as IRS Direct File and Direct Pay, to facilitate accurate submissions and secure payments.
• Taxpayers unable to pay in full are encouraged to use short-term or long-term payment plans to minimize penalties and interest.