Tax tips for the April 15 filing deadline
Tax Day is just around the corner and FOX 13’s Craig Patrick shares the latest information ahead of the April 15 deadline.
Fox – 13 News
Tax day is approaching. If you’re the best at meeting deadlines, we’ll give you some taxes to put on your calendar.
When is the 2026 filing deadline?
The deadline to pay taxes is April 15, which this year falls on a Wednesday. If you don’t plan to submit by then, you can request a six-month extension.
What happens if I miss the tax deadline?
If you don’t file your federal tax return on time, the standard penalty is a whopping 5% of the tax owed for each month your return is late, up to 25% of your unpaid balance. If you file a return but don’t pay the taxes you owe, or if you get an extension, you’ll generally be subject to a much smaller monthly penalty of 0.5% of the amount owed.
Are there any exceptions to the April 15 tax deadline?
yes. The IRS is extending the annual tax deadline for taxpayers who live or do business in disaster-affected areas.
A complete list of disaster-related extensions can be found on the website. Please be forewarned. This year’s list appears to be much shorter, with tax filing deadlines extended in parts of Alaska, Montana, and Washington.
Deadline for filing extended income tax returns
If you request an extension, you must submit your return by October 15th. Importantly, this does not mean you will have more time to pay your taxes. You must pay any amount to avoid penalties, but it will take more time to fill out the tax form.
1099 Deadline
If you’re a freelancer, independent contractor, or earn income from sources other than traditional work, you should have received your 1099 tax form by February 15th. Employers typically have until the end of January to submit their forms.
W-2 deadline
Employers must also send W-2s by January 31st.
Quarterly tax deadline
If you earn income that is not subject to withholding, you generally must pay estimated taxes to the IRS. This can be done quarterly or through one annual estimate. Annualized forecasts are scheduled to be announced on April 15th.
2026 quarterly payments are due by the following dates:
◾ First payment: April 15th.
◾ Second payment: June 15th.
◾ Third payment: September 15th.
◾ Fourth payment: January 15, 2027.
Where is my refund?
If you’re expecting a refund, you can track your progress at Where’s my refund? IRS website page. Your refund status will be available 24 hours after you electronically file your 2025 return. If you file a paper return, wait four weeks.
If you file a paper return, it will take longer for your refund to arrive. According to the IRS, it typically takes three weeks after you file electronically and six weeks (or more) after the IRS receives your return by mail.
Another tip: If you receive your refund via direct deposit, you’ll receive it much faster.
Daniel de Visse covers personal finance for USA Today.
