Every year, millions of people in the U.S. need to file their federal income tax returns. For the 2024 tax year, the IRS set April 15, 2025, as the last day to file. If you’re expecting a refund or want to avoid penalties, it’s important to know this deadline. But don’t worry — if you live in a disaster-affected area or are serving in the military, you may have extra time.
Let’s take a closer look at the filing deadlines, who gets extensions, and what happens if you miss your chance.
Tax Deadline for Most Americans
For most taxpayers, the deadline to file your federal tax return for the 2024 tax year was April 15, 2025. If you’re owed a refund, filing before this date helps avoid delays. But even if you miss it, you still have time — up to three years — to claim your refund.
This is due to the IRS’s “three-year rule”, which allows you to claim your tax refund until April 15, 2028. After that, the money goes to the U.S. Treasury, and you won’t be able to get it back.
Who Automatically Gets a Tax Extension?
If you live in a disaster-affected area, you may get an automatic extension. You don’t need to fill out any forms to apply — the IRS gives you more time by default.
For example, in 2025, people living in FEMA-declared disaster areas, such as parts of Alabama or Florida, received an automatic extension to May 1, 2025. In total, nine states were granted extra time due to natural disasters in 2024.
Even with the extension, you must file using regular methods like IRS Free File, e-file, or paper forms. It’s recommended to add a note to your return explaining your area was hit by a disaster.
Military Members in Combat Zones
If you’re a military member serving in a combat zone, you also get more time to file. Here’s how it works:
- Your deadline starts 180 days after you leave the combat zone, plus any time you had left before the original deadline.
- For example, if you return from a combat zone on June 1, 2025, your tax deadline for 2024 would begin on December 1, 2025.
- You’ll need to attach Form DD-214 or a signed statement from your commanding officer to confirm your eligibility. You can also check IRS Publication 3, which explains additional military tax benefits, like tax-free combat pay.
Voluntary Extensions Using IRS Form 4868
If you don’t qualify for an automatic extension but still need more time, you can request it by submitting IRS Form 4868. This gives you until October 15, 2025, to file your full tax return.
You don’t need a reason, but you must do a few things:
- Estimate how much tax you owe — use tools like the IRS Withholding Calculator.
- Submit Form 4868 online at IRS.gov or through tax software.
- Pay any taxes you owe before April 15 to avoid late penalties.
- Complete your full tax return by October 15 and include all necessary forms.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
If you’re expecting a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late — but you’ll lose the money if you wait more than three years.
If you owe taxes and miss the deadline, the IRS charges a 5% monthly penalty on the unpaid amount, with a maximum penalty of 25% in total.
IRS Resources That Can Help
The IRS offers several tools and services to help taxpayers, including:
- Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) – to answer your specific questions.
- IRS Free File – for eligible low-income individuals.
- In-person IRS centers – available in many large cities for face-to-face help.
These services were improved in 2025 to help reduce the $1.5 billion in unclaimed refunds left behind each year.
Filing your taxes on time is very important, especially if you’re due a refund. Even if you miss the main deadline, you still have time to claim your money. But don’t wait too long — once the three-year window closes, your refund disappears for good.
Whether you live in a disaster zone, serve in the military, or just need more time, understanding the IRS rules can help you avoid penalties and make sure you get what’s owed to you.
