Missed the Tax Deadline? Here's What to Do

If you missed the April 2025 tax deadline, don’t panic—there are still steps you can take to minimize penalties and interest while getting back on track. Here’s a thorough breakdown to help you through the process. File Your Tax Return ASAP Even if you missed the deadline, filing as soon as possible helps reduce penalties. The Failure-to-File penalty accrues at 5% per month on unpaid taxes, up to 25% . If your return is more than 60 days late , the minimum penalty is $510 or 100% of the unpaid tax , whichever is lower. Pay What You Can Interest and penalties continue to grow until the balance is fully paid. If you can’t pay the full amount now, pay as much as possible to reduce future charges. Online Payment Options The IRS offers secure payment methods: IRS Online Account – Manage payments and view tax records. IRS Direct Pay – Pay directly from a bank account. Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) ...