Most people know that the deadline to file a 2025 federal income tax return is April 15, 2026. However, that date applies to several other important financial and tax-related actions. Missing these deadlines could mean losing out on tax benefits—or facing penalties and interest charges.
Make Your 2025 IRA Contributions Before the Deadline
Even though it’s already 2026, you still have until April 15 to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA for the 2025 tax year. Eligible individuals can contribute up to $7,000, or $8,000 if they are age 50 or older. This total applies across both IRA types combined.
Traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible, depending on your income and whether you or your spouse participate in a workplace retirement plan such as a 401(k). Higher income levels may reduce or eliminate the deduction.
Roth IRA contributions are not tax-deductible, but qualified withdrawals are tax-free. However, eligibility phases out at certain income levels. If you exceed those limits, you may still be able to contribute to a traditional IRA on a nondeductible basis.
Keep in mind: the April 15 deadline applies even if you file for a tax extension.
SEP Contributions Can Still Reduce Your Tax Bill
If you’re self-employed or own a business, you can still lower your 2025 tax liability by contributing to a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan before April 15.
You can even establish a SEP plan for 2025 as long as it’s set up by the contribution deadline. The contribution limit for 2025 is up to 25% of eligible compensation, with a maximum of $70,000. Special calculation rules apply for self-employed individuals.
If you have eligible employees, you generally must contribute on their behalf at the same percentage as your own contributions.
Filing for a tax extension gives you until October 15 to both establish and fund your SEP for 2025.
Requesting a Six-Month Tax Filing Extension
If you’re unable to file your return by April 15, you can request an automatic six-month extension by submitting Form 4868. This helps you avoid late filing penalties—but it does not extend your payment deadline.
If you expect to owe taxes, you should estimate and pay the amount due by April 15 to reduce interest and penalties.
Taxpayers living abroad or serving in the military outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two-month extension to file, though any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15.
First Estimated Tax Payment for 2026 Is Due
For those who make estimated tax payments, the first installment for the 2026 tax year is also due on April 15.
You may need to make estimated payments if you earn income without withholding—such as from self-employment, investments, or capital gains—and expect to owe at least $1,000 when filing your return.
To avoid penalties, your total payments must generally equal at least:
- 90% of your 2026 tax liability, or
- 110% of your 2025 tax liability (100% if your income is below certain thresholds)
Paying on time can help you avoid unnecessary interest and penalties.
Trust and Estate Tax Returns Are Also Due
If you manage a trust or estate that follows a calendar year, you may need to file Form 1041 by April 15. Filing is typically required if the entity generated $600 or more in income or has a nonresident alien beneficiary.
In the case of a deceased individual, Form 1041 may also be necessary to report income earned up until the date of death.
If no income is generated after death because assets pass directly to heirs, filing may not be required.
If additional time is needed, you can request an extension using Form 7004, which extends the deadline to September 30, 2026 (or October 15 in certain cases). However, any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15.
Stay Ahead of All April 15 Deadlines
As you can see, April 15 involves much more than just filing your personal tax return. Additional obligations may include filing a federal gift tax return or submitting a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).
Understanding which deadlines apply to your situation is key to staying compliant, avoiding penalties, and maximizing your tax savings.