What Happens If You Miss the Tax Extension Deadline?

When you request a tax extension past the last day for taxes 2021, you get an additional six months to get your return completed. If at all possible, get your return in by the tax extension due date of October 15, or at least as soon as possible thereafter. If you miss the tax extension deadline, you’ll incur penalties that are retroactive to your original tax due date (usually April 15).

Remember, you must pay your taxes by the tax deadline or you’ll incur penalties. The tax extension deadline only applies to filing taxes, not paying any tax due.

Need more time to pay your taxes? You can request to pay your taxes in installments with an IRS payment plan. While it’s best to pay your taxes on time, setting up an installment agreement can help reduce further penalties.