With just days left before the April 15 deadline, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding taxpayers that time is running out to meet their 2024 federal income tax obligations. Whether you’re expecting a refund or owe taxes, knowing your options now could save you money — and stress.
What Are Your Options Before the Tax Deadline?
Taxpayers have three primary options before April 15:
- File your return electronically using IRS Free File or IRS Direct File.
- Pay your tax bill using one of several digital or traditional payment options.
- Request a tax-filing extension to push your filing deadline to October 15, 2025.
However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay — taxes owed are still due by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties.
Free Filing Tools and Assistance Available
The IRS offers several no-cost e-filing services to streamline the process:
| Filing Option | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Free File Software | Income below $84,000 | October 15 |
| Free File Fillable Forms | All income levels | October 15 |
| IRS Direct File (25 states only) | Eligibility varies by state | April 15 |
| VITA & TCE Programs | Low-income, elderly, or disabled filers | Varies |
| MilTax (DoD program) | Active military and some veterans | Varies |
How to Pay If You Owe Taxes
The IRS provides several secure payment options for individuals:
- Direct Pay (no fees) from checking/savings accounts.
- Debit/credit card or digital wallet (processing fees apply).
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
- Electronic funds withdrawal during e-filing.
- Mailed check or money order to the U.S. Treasury.
- Cash payments via retail partners (start early, multi-step process).
If you can’t pay in full, apply online for a:
- Short-term plan (up to 180 days, under $100,000 owed).
- Long-term plan (monthly payments, under $50,000 owed).
Interest and penalties apply after April 15, but those in a payment plan may see reduced penalties.
How to Request a Tax Extension
If you need more time to file, the IRS offers automatic tax-filing extensions:
- File Form 4868 electronically via IRS Free File.
- Make a tax payment and mark it as an extension payment.
- Mail Form 4868 by April 15.
Even with an extension, you must pay estimated taxes owed by April 15 to avoid added fees.
Disaster Relief: Extended Deadlines in Select States
Taxpayers affected by FEMA-declared disasters in 2024 have automatic filing and payment extensions to May 1, 2025, if they live in areas including:
- Entire states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
- Parts of: Alaska, New Mexico, Tennessee, Virginia
Additional relief extends deadlines to October 15 or November 3 for residents of:
- Los Angeles County, CA
- All of Kentucky and parts of West Virginia
- Israel and Gaza conflict-affected zones (extended to September 30, 2025)
Disaster victims do not need to file extension requests; relief is automatic based on IRS records.
Where’s My Refund? Track It Easily
Use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to track refund status:
- E-filed returns show results within 24 hours.
- Paper returns may take four weeks.
- Tool updates once daily and requires SSN, filing status, and refund amount.
Final Takeaway: File, Pay, or Extend Now
With April 15 just around the corner, the IRS is urging individuals and businesses to act immediately:
- File to get your refund faster and avoid late penalties.
- Pay what you can to minimize interest.
- Extend if you need more time, but remember: payment is still due.
Visit IRS.gov for all official tax resources and tools.
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