By Adedayo Busari Vanduren · Aaiss Tax & Bookkeeping Services
Published September 24, 2026 · Updated October 2, 2026
If you timely requested an extension for your 2025 individual federal income tax return, the IRS generally gives you until October 15, 2026 to file. An extension gives you more time to file, but it does not extend the time to pay tax that was due on April 15.
Before your return is prepared, collect all W-2s and 1099s, records of self-employment or business income and expenses, dependent information, health-insurance tax forms when applicable, prior-year tax information, and records of estimated tax payments. If you received an IRS notice or corrected tax form, include that information as well.
The IRS states that an extension is an extension of time to file, not an extension of time to pay. If tax was due for 2025 and remained unpaid after the original April deadline, penalties and interest may continue to apply. Filing the return as soon as possible can still be important even when you cannot pay the full balance immediately.
Keep your 2025 return separate from your 2026 estimated-tax obligations. The third estimated-tax installment for many calendar-year individuals was due September 15, 2026, and the next general installment is due January 15, 2027. Accurate current-year bookkeeping can make both estimated-tax planning and next filing season easier.
Aaiss Tax & Bookkeeping Services assists individuals, independent contractors and small-business owners with current-year and prior-year tax preparation, amended returns, IRS notice support and bookkeeping. Begin with our online intake, then upload your tax documents securely through TaxesToGo.
IRS: If you need more time to file, request an extension
IRS: Tax year 2025 / processing year 2026 Form 1040 MeF due dates
IRS: Estimated tax
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This article provides general educational information and is not individualized tax advice. Filing and payment rules may differ for disaster relief, special filing situations and other exceptions.