Federal taxes are due on April 15 each year, unless that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, in which case the deadline shifts to the next business day. This date applies to individual income tax returns filed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
The IRS sets the annual tax filing deadline based on the calendar year. For most taxpayers, the 2024 federal tax return is due on April 15, 2025. If the date lands on a Saturday, Sunday, or a recognized federal holiday, the deadline moves to the following Monday. For example, in 2025, April 15 falls on a Tuesday, so the deadline remains unchanged. But in 2024, April 15 was a Monday, and no extension applied.
Individuals who file Form 1040 must submit their returns by this date to avoid late-filing penalties. The IRS defines "come out" as the submission deadline, not when refunds are issued. Refunds typically take 21 days after e-filed returns are accepted, but processing times vary based on form completeness and IRS workload.
The IRS uses the calendar year to define the tax year. Taxpayers report income earned between January 1 and December 31 of the prior year. For 2024 returns, income from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, is reported on the 2025 tax return. The deadline for filing is set annually by law and confirmed in IRS Publication 17.
If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the IRS automatically extends the deadline to the next business day. In 2023, April 15 fell on a Monday, so no adjustment was needed. In 2022, April 15 was a Tuesday, and the deadline stood. However, in 2021, April 15 was a Friday, and the deadline remained on that day despite being a holiday for some states.
A notable exception occurred in 2020, when the IRS extended the deadline to July 15 due to the pandemic. This extension applied to all individuals and businesses affected by the crisis. The IRS later confirmed that this change was permanent for that year only, and no similar extension was issued in 2021 or beyond.
There are three main categories of federal tax deadlines:
Form 4868 allows taxpayers to request a six-month extension to file their return. This does not extend the time to pay any taxes owed. Interest accrues daily on unpaid balances from the original due date. The IRS charges 0.5% per month on unpaid amounts, compounding monthly until paid.
For example, if a taxpayer owes $3,000 and files on October 15, they owe interest from April 15 to October 15. That's six months at 0.5% per month: $3,000 × 0.005 × 6 = $90 in interest. Failure to pay by the original deadline results in this charge, even if the return is filed late.
Many people assume that "federal taxes come out" means the refund is issued. This is incorrect. The term refers to the filing deadline, not disbursement. Refunds are processed after the IRS accepts the return and verifies it against the system.
Another misconception is that state tax deadlines match the federal one. They do not. California requires state returns by April 15, but New York's deadline is April 18. Some states follow the federal date, others adjust for local holidays. Always verify with your state's department of revenue.
A lesser-known fact: the IRS does not send reminders. Unlike credit card companies or utility providers, the IRS does not notify you when your tax return is due. You must track the date yourself. The IRS website lists the current year's deadline under "Important Dates," but it's not sent via email or text.
Consider Jane, a freelance graphic designer who earned $62,000 in 2024. She reports her income using Schedule C and pays self-employment tax. Her estimated tax payments were $5,200, but she underpaid by $1,800. She files her 2024 Form 1040 on April 15, 2025.
Jane's total tax liability is $12,400. After subtracting $5,200 in estimated payments, she owes $7,200. She mails her payment on April 15. The IRS receives it on April 18. Because the payment was postmarked by the deadline, no penalty applies.
She e-files her return on April 10. The IRS accepts it on April 12. On May 5, she receives a $3,800 refund. The IRS processes e-filed returns faster than paper ones. Paper returns take 6-8 weeks to process.
When do federal taxes come out? On April 15 each year, adjusted for weekends and holidays. The IRS does not issue refunds on this date. Refunds depend on acceptance and verification speed.
For those who need more time, Form 4868 provides an automatic extension to October 15. However, any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid interest. Late payments incur fees, even if the return is filed late.
Understanding the difference between filing and paying is critical. You can file early and pay later, but interest starts accruing from the original due date. The IRS calculates interest at 0.5% per month on unpaid balances.