If you filed an extension for your 2025 individual income tax return, an important deadline is approaching.

For most taxpayers who timely requested an extension, the deadline to file the 2025 federal income tax return is:

October 15, 2026

An extension gives you additional time to file your tax return, but it does not provide additional time to pay taxes that were originally due.

Here is what taxpayers should know before the deadline.

1. An Extension to File Is Not an Extension to Pay

Many taxpayers mistakenly believe that filing a tax extension also extends the deadline for paying their taxes.

It does not.

For most individual taxpayers, any federal income tax owed for 2025 was due on April 15, 2026.

If you still owe taxes, penalties and interest may continue to accrue on the unpaid balance. Filing your return as soon as possible can help prevent additional filing-related penalties.

2. Gather Your Tax Documents Now

Do not wait until the last few days before the deadline.

Depending on your situation, you may need documents such as:

• Forms W-2

• Forms 1099

• Business income and expense records

• Rental property income and expenses

• Mortgage interest statements

• Property-tax records

• Brokerage and investment statements

• Retirement income documents

• Health insurance information

• Childcare expenses

• Education expenses

• Estimated tax payment records

• Prior-year tax returns

• Documents related to credits and deductions

Business owners and self-employed taxpayers should also make sure their bookkeeping and business records are complete.

3. Self-Employed and Business Owners May Need Additional Information

Your return may require additional work if you own a business, operate as an independent contractor, receive 1099 income, own rental properties, or have multiple sources of income.

Before preparing the return, make sure your income and expenses are properly categorized and your records are reconciled.

Missing information can delay preparation and may result in an inaccurate return.

4. Do Not Ignore a Tax Balance

If you cannot pay your entire federal tax balance, you should generally still file the tax return.

Waiting to file simply because you cannot pay the full balance may make the situation more expensive.

Depending on your circumstances, IRS payment options may be available.

5. What If You Did Not File an Extension?

If you were required to file a 2025 tax return and did not file either your return or an extension by the original deadline, your return may already be late.

Do not continue delaying the filing.

The appropriate penalties depend on your individual circumstances, including whether you owe tax, but filing as soon as possible is generally better than continuing to wait.

6. Expecting a Refund? You Should Still File

Some taxpayers assume there is no reason to hurry if they expect a refund.

However, your refund cannot be issued until your return is filed and processed.

Filing electronically and selecting direct deposit is generally the fastest way to receive a federal tax refund.

7. Review Your Return Before Filing

Before submitting your return, check important information carefully, including:

• Names and Social Security numbers

• Filing status

• Dependent information

• Income reported on W-2s and 1099s

• Bank information for direct deposit

• Estimated tax payments

• Business income and expenses

• Rental property information

• Tax credits and deductions

Incorrect or incomplete information can result in processing delays or IRS notices.

Need Help Filing Your 2025 Tax Return?

If you filed an extension and have not yet completed your 2025 tax return, now is the time to provide your documents.

Zakir CPA PLLC provides professional tax preparation and accounting services for individuals, families, self-employed taxpayers, landlords, and business owners.

Our services include:

• Individual Income Tax Preparation

• Business Tax Returns

• Self-Employment and 1099 Tax Returns

• Rental Property Tax Reporting

• Tax Planning

• Bookkeeping and QuickBooks Services

• Payroll Services

• Sales Tax Compliance

• IRS and State Tax Notice Assistance

• Amended Tax Returns