If you missed the IRS tax filing deadline earlier this year, you’re not alone — and it’s not too late to act. June 2025 is a critical window for late filers to limit penalties, claim refunds, or request help before things get worse.
Whether you owe money or are expecting a refund, taking action this month can help you avoid additional fees and IRS enforcement.
What Happens If You Missed the IRS Deadline?
The IRS imposed its standard tax deadline in April 2025, with automatic extensions available through October 15 for those who filed in time. But if you didn’t file or request an extension, the clock is ticking.
Here’s what you might face:
- Failure-to-file penalty: 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25% total
- Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% per month of your unpaid balance
- Loss of refund: You only have three years from the due date to claim a refund
June is your chance to minimize these penalties before they get worse.
What You Should Do in June 2025
If you missed the April 2025 deadline, here are the steps to take now:
1. File Your Return Immediately
Even if you can’t pay in full, filing now stops the steeper failure-to-file penalty from growing. Use IRS Free File or tax software to get it done quickly.
2. Pay What You Can
Send any amount you can afford. The IRS will reduce your penalty and interest based on what you’ve already paid.
3. Set Up a Payment Plan
If you owe more than you can afford, apply for an IRS installment agreement online. This spreads out payments over time and helps avoid collections.
4. Claim Your Refund Before It Expires
If you’re owed a refund for 2021, 2022, or 2023, don’t wait — unclaimed refunds expire after three years. For many taxpayers, June is the last safe month to act without risking loss.
5. Check If You Qualify for Penalty Relief
In some cases, the IRS will reduce or waive penalties for first-time offenders or those with reasonable cause. File Form 843 to request penalty abatement.
Special Deadlines in June 2025
While the main tax season ended in April, some taxpayers have a special deadline in June:
- Military members or those in disaster zones may have extended filing windows into June or beyond.
- Foreign filers (U.S. citizens abroad) often have until June 17, 2025 to file without penalty.
Check IRS disaster relief updates or speak with a tax pro to confirm your deadline.
Don’t Wait Until October
Waiting until the October extension deadline (if you didn’t request one) won’t help. If you haven’t filed anything, your penalties will grow every month. The sooner you act — especially in June — the better your financial outcome will be.
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