Tax deadlines for 2026 and 2027

Federal dates for individual returns. Tax year 2025 returns were filed in 2026; tax year 2026 returns are filed in 2027. State dates can differ: see your state.

Tax year 2025 (filed in 2026)

Filing season opened	January 26, 2026
Return and payment due	April 15, 2026
Extended deadline (if you filed an extension)	October 15, 2026

Missed April 15 and did not extend? File as soon as you can, even if you cannot pay. The IRS charges separate penalties for filing late and for paying late, plus interest. If you cannot pay, see IRS payment plans.

Tax year 2026 (filed in 2027)

Filing season opens	not announced yet (the IRS usually opens filing in late January)
Return and payment due	April 15, 2027
Extended deadline	October 15, 2027 (with an extension filed by April 15)

The usual April 15 date. April 15, 2027 is a Thursday. Disaster areas can get later dates.

How to get a federal extension

Pay online and check the extension box, use IRS Free File (no income limit for extensions), or file Form 4868. An extension gives more time to file, not more time to pay. Tax owed was due by the April date.

Free help has a season too

Most VITA and TCE sites are open from late January to April 15, and AARP Tax-Aide runs from early February to mid-April. Book early.

Common questions

When is the tax deadline in 2027?

For tax year 2026 returns the federal deadline is April 15, 2027. The usual April 15 date. April 15, 2027 is a Thursday. Disaster areas can get later dates.

When does the 2027 tax filing season open?

The opening date is not announced yet (the IRS usually opens filing in late January). In 2026 the IRS opened filing on January 26, 2026.

Does an extension give me more time to pay?

No. An extension gives more time to file, not more time to pay. Tax owed was due by the April date.

Are state deadlines the same?

Most states use April 15, but some do not. See your state page for its deadline.

Behind on returns?

If you have past-due returns or got a notice about an unfiled year, our partner Pack Tax can catch you up, for clients in every state by phone and video.

This is paid help, not a free program. You can ask questions before you agree to anything.

Ask Pack Tax for help

Pack Tax is our paid partner; we may receive a fee for referrals. How this works

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 8, 2026. Rules change each year; confirm with the official source before you file.