What Happens If You File Taxes After April 15?

April 15 is the deadline for filing taxes in the US, missing this date can result in penalties.

[{"selector":"#anim-5c0dd7ac-e305-4786-8b47-c0516a3723c7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Late filing can lead to a failure-to-file penalty, which is typically 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month that the return is late.

[{"selector":"#anim-8822f68e-6f78-45d5-8a44-8290fc75fcc1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The maximum penalty for failure-to-file is 25% of the unpaid taxes.

[{"selector":"#anim-d84778c7-48c7-4dfb-a20e-89b08385b522 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

If you owe taxes and file late, you'll also be charged interest on the amount you owe, increasing your total tax bill.

[{"selector":"#anim-efc5122b-3c1e-4f34-ab64-ccf7f7634922 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The IRS can also charge a late payment penalty, which is usually 0.5% of the tax owed for each month or part of a month it remains unpaid.

[{"selector":"#anim-ca0455f4-5610-4986-af20-78ec071b7d3b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-22.132850619224477%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

If you're expecting a refund, there's no penalty for filing late, but you won't receive your refund until you file.

[{"selector":"#anim-8207713e-5c95-4b9e-afe0-6818a95802e2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The IRS can also hold your refund if you have unfiled returns from previous years.

[{"selector":"#anim-342bf121-551c-4619-b62e-add8b7639a3f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

If you're unable to file on time, you can request an extension, but this only extends the time to file, not the time to pay any taxes owed.

[{"selector":"#anim-d3facd68-6c26-409b-8478-9d2752afa5b2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(1.4210854715202004e-14%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Late filers may also face additional scrutiny from the IRS, potentially leading to an audit.

[{"selector":"#anim-541745c1-b8bb-42d0-a7e2-4ae0f08efe38 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

It's best to file on time or as soon as possible after the deadline to avoid penalties, interest, and potential audits.

[{"selector":"#anim-e31804d6-ec16-4ce4-9137-38ba51b55b9b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]