Can't file by April 15 Tax Day? How to apply for an extension in Florida

• The deadline for filing your taxes is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
• Tax returns may be mailed, but they must be postmarked by April 15, 2026.
• You can request a tax extension of six months, but you must still pay any taxes owed by April 15 or Tax Day.

Tax Day is April 15, and time is running out. More than 101 million Americans filed their 2025 returns as of April 3, according to the latest update from the Internal Revenue Service, and more are coming in fast.

What if you won't be one of them?

Here's what to know if you're running late, or can't file at all.

When are tax returns due?

The deadline for individuals, household employers and corporations to file their tax returns for the previous year is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

When that day lands on a weekend or legal holiday, it's postponed to the next business day, but no such luck this year.

Can I mail my tax return on April 15?

If you're submitting your return by mail, it's considered filed on time if your envelope is properly addressed, postmarked and deposited in the mail by the due date.

However, keep in mind that dropping your return into a mailbox does not ensure it will be postmarked that day. There could be a lag of a day or more before your mail is processed, which would make your return late.

To make sure you're covered, go inside the post office and request a manual postmark on your envelope.

What happens if I don't file my taxes in time?

The IRS has strict penalties for not hitting the April 15 deadline.

• Didn't file in time: You will be charged 5% of the unpaid tax every month or partial month the return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. If your failure to file is found to be fraudulent, you'll be penalized 15% per month, up to a maximum of 75%. If your return is over 60 days late, there's also a minimum penalty for late filing of $525 or 100% of the tax owed, whichever is less.
• Didn't pay in time: You will be charged 0.5% of your unpaid taxes each month as long as it remains unpaid, going up to 1% per month if you fail to pay your tax in 10 days after getting a notice from the IRS, up to a maximum of 25% of the total. A payment plan can lower this.
• Didn't pay tax on money you didn't report on your return: You will receive a notice with the amount due and a due date, usually 21 days after they send the notice or 10 business days if the amount you owe is $100,000 or more. Failure to pay by the due date will result in a penalty of 0.5% of the tax you didn't pay, going up to 1% after 10 days.
• The IRS charges interest on penalties.

There's no penalty if you were due a refund, but there may be a delay in getting your money, and you may lose eligibility for some tax credits. If you fail to file taxes repeatedly, you may be prosecuted for tax evasion.

What should I do if I can't file my taxes by April 15, 2026?

File as soon as you can to show the delay was for a reasonable cause (which could qualify you for penalty relief) and not wilful neglect, or file for a tax extension.

How do I file for a tax extension?

If you know you can't file by the deadline, you can request a six-month extension on (or preferably before) Tax Day to avoid any penalties and interest.

You'll still have to pay any taxes you owe by April 15, but an extension allows you more time to get your paperwork in order. There are three ways:

• Pay online and check the box: Pay what you owe using an online payment option and check the box saying you're paying as part of filing for an extension.
• Use Free File: Use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension.
• Request an extension by mail: File Form 4868 by mail, online with an IRS e-filing partner, or through a tax professional, and estimate how much tax you owe, minus any taxes you already paid for last year.

Can I get a tax extension if I'm out of the country?

If you're a U.S. citizen or resident alien and you're living outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, or if you're on military or naval service on duty out of the country, you're allowed two extra months to file your return and pay any taxes owed without requesting an extension. Your deadline to file would be June 15, 2026.

What if I can't pay my taxes by April 15, 2026?

You can apply for a payment plan to pay off your balance over time rather than in one big gulp. Plans are available for individuals who owe $100,000 or less in combined tax, penalties, and interest who have filed all the required returns.

What if I was unable to file my taxes in time due to emergency, natural disaster or system error?

The IRS offers penalty relief for taxpayers who tried to comply but missed the deadline through no fault of their own, such as:

• Fires, natural disasters, or civil disturbances
• Inability to get records
• Death, serious illness, or unavoidable absence of the taxpayer or immediate family
• System issues that delayed a timely electronic filing or payment

Call the toll-free number at the top right corner of your penalty notice to request penalty relief for reasonable cause. You'll need supporting documentation.

If this is your first tax return screw-up or you have a history of good tax compliance, you may be eligible for a First Time Abate. Call the number on your penalty or use Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement.

Can I get more time to file due to disaster?

In previous years, the IRS has granted Americans in disaster areas a grace period to file, including several for Floridians after recent and devastating hurricanes.

There are currently no such relief orders in place for Florida. Farmers and ranchers in 61 counties affected by drought in 2025 have been allowed more time to replace livestock sold or exchanged due to drought conditions and may defer tax on any gains from those exchanges, but they must still file by April 15.

For more specific questions for your situation, consult a tax professional or contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday for individuals or 800-829-4933 for businesses.

C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.