The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) set April 15, 2025, as the official deadline to file federal tax returns for the 2024 tax year. While many taxpayers rush to meet this deadline, several groups are legally allowed to file later. Whether due to natural disasters or military service, certain extensions are automatic — and others can be requested. If you’re owed a refund or need more time to pay, here’s everything you should know to avoid losing money or paying penalties.
Who Got an Automatic Tax Filing Extension in 2025?
If you live in a FEMA-declared disaster area, like parts of Alabama or Florida, you automatically get more time. In 2025, people in nine different states hit by natural disasters in 2024 were granted an extension until May 1, 2025. No extra forms are needed to get this extension.
You just need to file your return normally — either by paper, e-file, or IRS Free File — and include a short note mentioning your location and the natural disaster. That’s enough to show why you’re filing late.
What About Military Members?
If you’re in the armed forces and served in a combat zone, you also qualify for an automatic extension. Your tax deadline will be pushed forward by:
- 180 days after you leave the combat zone
- Plus the number of days you had left to file before your deployment
For example, if you returned from a combat zone on June 1, 2025, your new tax deadline would start from December 1, 2025.
To use this benefit, you must include Form DD-214 (your discharge certificate) or a statement from your commanding officer. Also, you may get extra tax perks like combat pay exclusions, which are detailed in IRS Publication 3.
Voluntary Extensions: File Form 4868
If you’re not in a disaster area or in the military, you can still get more time by filing Form 4868, which gives you until October 15, 2025, to file your return. This is a simple extension — no reason needed. But there’s one big rule: you must pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties.
Here’s how to file with Form 4868:
- Estimate your taxes using tools like the IRS Withholding Calculator
- Submit Form 4868 through IRS.gov or your tax software
- Pay your estimated taxes via Direct Pay, card, or check
- File your full return by the October 15 deadline
How Long Do You Have to Claim a Refund?
If you are due a refund and miss the filing deadline, there’s no penalty — but there’s a catch. You have only three years to file and claim that money.
That means for the 2024 tax year, your last chance to file and get your refund is April 15, 2028. After that, the money becomes government property — forever. You can’t get it back, even with a lawyer.
This rule is called the IRS three-year rule, and every year, billions of dollars go unclaimed because people forget or delay filing.
What Happens If You Owe Taxes and File Late?
If you owe taxes and miss the deadline without filing for an extension, the IRS starts adding penalties:
- 5% per month of the unpaid amount
- Up to a maximum of 25% annually
So, if you owe ₹1,00,000 in taxes, you could be hit with up to ₹25,000 in extra penalties within a year. To avoid this, it’s best to pay what you can by the deadline and file for an extension if needed.
Helpful IRS Tools in 2025
In 2025, the IRS improved its services to help people avoid common filing mistakes. They now offer:
- Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)—to help answer specific questions
- In-person help centers—available in large cities
- IRS Free File—a tool for low-income taxpayers to file for free
The aim is to reduce the nearly $1.5 billion in unclaimed tax refunds each year by making the process easier for everyone.
Whether you’re living in a disaster zone, serving in the military, or just need more time, the IRS provides ways to file your taxes without penalties — but only if you act before deadlines pass. Refunds are available for up to three years, and extensions are simple to request with Form 4868. However, missing deadlines can cost you money in penalties or lost refunds. Stay informed, file on time, and use IRS resources to get the most out of your return.
