The deadline to pay your taxes is today (04/15/25) if you owe income tax to the state or federal government for 2024.
However, today isn’t the drop-dead date to file your taxes. Individuals can file for an automatic extension to October 15th if you need more time. If you are expecting a refund, then you don’t have to worry about filing for another six months. However, that extension doesn’t change the date when the government expects you to pay the taxes you owe. That’s still today and you have until midnight to do it.
What happens if you can’t pay your taxes on tax day? Penalties and interest can start to accrue, but luckily there are options if you have a tax bill larger than your savings account.
There are plans that can give you up to 180 days to pay in full. There’s no fee for this short-term payment plan. However, interest and penalties can continue to accrue until your tax bill is paid in full. Individuals can use an online application to set up the short-term payments.
If you’re not able to pay your balance in full immediately or within 180 days, you could qualify for a monthly payment plan that lets you make a series of payments over time. Different types of long-term payment plans are available depending on your situation.
No matter what, if you choose not to file today and you owe taxes you’ll still want to file an extension and take a look at the online payment options to pay as much as you can to avoid interest and penalties.
Some parts of Southern California are receiving an automatic extension to file and pay. Los Angeles County residents who were affected by wildfires have an extra six months, which is the same amount of time San Bernardino County residents received two years ago when winter storms socked in mountain communities.
Links:
Free Tax Filing for those who qualify (irs.gov)
What if I can’t pay my taxes? (irs.gov)
Online payments and payments plans (irs.gov)
