The deadline to file your 2024 federal income tax return in the United States was April 15, 2025, as set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Taxpayers who wanted to claim a refund needed to file by this date to avoid delays. But don’t worry—some people still have more time to file legally.
If you missed the date or live in a disaster-affected area or are in the military, you might still have time to submit your tax return or claim your refund.
Who Still Has Time to File Taxes?
1. Disaster-Affected Residents
If you live in a region declared a disaster area by FEMA (like Alabama or Florida), you automatically get more time. In 2025, the new deadline for these areas is May 1. No need to apply or fill out extra forms.
When filing, you should:
- Use IRS Free File (for low-income taxpayers), e-file, or paper forms
- Add a note in your tax return about the disaster and your location
2. Military Members in Combat Zones
If you’re in the U.S. military and currently serving in a combat zone, your deadline is extended too. You have:
- 180 days after leaving the combat zone
- Plus any extra time left from the original deadline
For example, if you leave a combat zone on June 1, 2025, you can file by December 1, 2025, plus any days you had left before the original deadline.
You must include:
- Form DD-214 (Certificate of Release)
- Or a statement from your commanding officer
For full details, check IRS Publication 3, which also explains other benefits like combat pay exclusions.
What is the IRS Three-Year Rule?
Even if you’re not in a disaster area or the military, you still have time to claim a tax refund. The IRS gives you three years from the original due date to file and get your money.
For 2024 tax returns:
- Deadline to claim refunds = April 15, 2028
- After this date, the money goes to the U.S. Treasury, and you can’t get it back
So if you’re owed a refund, file before that deadline, or you’ll lose your money permanently.
Filing with a Voluntary Extension (Form 4868)
If you’re not ready by April 15, you can request an automatic extension using Form 4868. This gives you until October 15, 2025, to file your return.
Here’s what to do:
- Estimate your taxes using tools like the IRS Withholding Calculator
- File Form 4868 – available online or through tax software
- Pay any taxes owed – using Direct Pay, credit card, or check
- Submit your full return by October 15, including all documents
Note: An extension gives you more time to file, but not more time to pay. If you owe taxes, you must pay by April 15 to avoid late fees.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you’re getting a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late—but don’t wait too long, or you’ll miss out completely after three years.
If you owe taxes, penalties apply:
- 5% per month on the unpaid amount
- Up to 25% maximum per year
To help taxpayers, the IRS has improved its free tools in 2025:
- Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) – answers personal tax questions online
- Taxpayer Assistance Centers – in-person help in major cities
Each year, nearly $1.5 billion in tax refunds go unclaimed. Don’t let yours be one of them.