Tax deadline approaching: IRS urges last-minute filers to act before April 15

The deadline to file your 2025 taxes is quickly approaching, with taxpayers required to submit their returns by April 15 at midnight in their local time zone.

Experts say if you have not filed yet, now is the time to act. According to the Internal Revenue Service, roughly 20 to 25 percent of Americans wait until the final two weeks before the deadline to prepare their returns.

Mark Steber with Jackson Hewitt Tax Service says filing can take several hours, especially for those doing it on their own. Waiting until the last minute increases the chances of errors, which could lead to costly consequences.

If a mistake is discovered after the deadline, taxpayers may face interest or penalties, particularly if they underpaid what they owed. Experts say it is important to correct any issues as soon as possible to avoid further financial impact.

For those who need more time, a six-month extension is available. However, that request must be submitted before April 15, and any taxes owed must still be paid by that date. Failure to pay on time could result in additional penalties and interest, which can reach around seven percent on unpaid balances.

Steber notes that recent tax law changes have made filing more complex, urging taxpayers to seek professional help if needed. Many tax preparation services have added staff leading up to the deadline to assist last-minute filers.

With time running out, experts say the best move is to file as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary stress and potential penalties.

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