Updated April 15, 2026, 11:34 a.m. MT

It’s the last day to file your taxes, but if you need more time there are options.

The deadline to file taxes is Wednesday, April 15, but you can file a late return or get an extension by filing out a form either online or mailing it at the post office — that will give you until Oct. 15 to file. Nearly 100 million income tax returns had been filed as of April 3, reported the Internal Revenue Service, with the average refund amount being $3,462.

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming tax filing deadline.

File a tax extension 2026

The IRS offers the following guidance:

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If you have no taxes due: Individuals, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File at IRS.gov/freefile to request an automatic six-month tax-filing extension.

Alternatively, taxpayers can file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File. If they mail the form in, taxpayers must do so before April 15. Changes at the U.S. Postal Service mean mail may take days to get postmarked and then be considered late by the IRS. If you’re short on time, go to the local post office and get a hand-stamped postmark or consider filing online.

If you owe money: Taxpayers can choose to submit an electronic payment and select Form 4868 or extension as the payment type. The IRS will count it as an extension automatically, and taxpayers won’t need to file Form 4868.

When are taxes due?

The deadline to file taxes is Wednesday, April 15.

Can I file my taxes after April 15?

Yes, but you’ll need to request an extension by visiting IRS.gov/freefile or you can also file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File.

IRS phone number

Individuals filing taxes can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, while businesses can call 800-829-4933, also 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

How to request an IRS payment plan

Payment options include full payment, a short-term payment plan (paying in 180 days or less) or a long-term payment plan (installment agreement) (paying monthly), according to the IRS.

You may qualify to apply online if:

Simple payment plan (installment agreement): You owe $50,000 or less in combined tax, penalties and interest. You have filed all required returns.Short-term payment plan: You owe less than $100,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest.

You will need to create an IRS Online Account, and then you can apply for a payment plan online without needing to call, mail, or visit the IRS. You will need a photo identification to create your account.

USA TODAY contributed to this story.

Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.

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