Tax Day is officially here.
And for those who have yet to file, the April 15 tax deadline may feel like it arrived too quickly. Although time is running out, there are still options available to avoid added penalties.
So, whether you’re filing electronically, mailing in a paper return or need an extension, here are some key considerations to help you to get your taxes squared away in the final hours:
When is the tax filing deadline for 2026?
If you don’t expect to file by then, you may request a six-month extension.
Tax Day 2026: Need help filing tax returns before tax day? Go to a PA call center
Can you file your taxes on April 15?
Yes.
If you plan to e-file your taxes, the deadline is midnight tonight, according to H&R Block.
For those filing a paper return by mail, it must be postmarked by today’s date. According to the U.S. Postal Service, the IRS considers a tax return filed on time if it is:
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Is postmarked by the due date, April 15, 2026.
Is it too late to mail a tax return?
If filing by mail a few days before or on the due date, there’s still time — but it must be postmarked by today.
This late in the game, USPS recommends bringing your tax return directly to the post office and asking for a hand-stamped postmark.
“To ensure your tax return is postmarked on or before the due date, take it to your local Post Office location, go to the retail counter, and ask the retail associate to postmark it,” the Postal Service said on its website.
Failure to receive a postmark by today means that the IRS will count that tax return and any payments you may make as late. A late return triggers IRS penalties and interest on any amount you owe.
Check the status of your tax refund: Where’s my refund? How to track 2026 tax refund in Pennsylvania
Will post offices be open late on Tax Day?
Now that most tax returns are filed electronically, the practice of post offices staying open late on Tax Day across the United States is a rare occurrence. Some locations might still extend their hours, so be sure to check with your closest post office.
If you do plan to file by mail, your tax return must be postmarked on or before today. This means that you need to drop off your return before the last collection time that day, which is not always the same as the location’s closing hour, according to the U.S. Postal Service.
The Postal Service may be contacted at 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) for information about business hours and collection times on Tax Day.
Taxpayers are advised to use the correct postage to file their taxes and ensure the envelope is correctly addressed.
How to file for an extension?
The April 15 tax deadline is today. Learn how to avoid penalties.
If you think you won’t make the deadline to file your 2025 tax return, you can file for an extension using Form 4868. The IRS offers the following guidance:
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If you have no taxes due — individuals, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File at IRS.gov/freefile to request an automatic six-month tax-filing extension.
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Alternatively, taxpayers can file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File. If they mail the form in, taxpayers must do so before the end of the day. Changes at the U.S. Postal System mean mail may take days to get postmarked and then be considered late by the IRS. If you’re short on time, go to the local post office and get a hand-stamped postmark or consider filing online.
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If you owe money — taxpayers can choose to submit an electronic payment and select Form 4868 or extension as the payment type. The IRS will count it as an extension automatically, and taxpayers won’t need to file Form 4868.
Note that disaster victims and some living abroad and military members in combat zones may have extra time to file.
When is the deadline for filing an extension on your taxes?
You must file for the extension by today, which would give you until Oct. 15 to file your taxes.
Does an extension give you extra time to pay your taxes?
No, even with an extension, you are still required to pay your taxes by today.
The extension only gives you additional time to file your tax return. With an extension you still have to estimate your taxes taxes and pay what you owe, or at least most of it, by the end of the day to avoid any penalties.
How to estimate taxes when filing for an extension
Estimate how much tax you owe for the year using the extension form. Subtract the taxes you already paid for the filing year and pay the balance owed.
What if I can’t pay the entire amount of my taxes owed?
If you can’t afford to pay your tax bill in full by today, apply for a payment plan. Once you apply, the IRS will notify you almost immediately if you’re approved.
The IRS lists the different payment plan options you can choose from.
What happens if I miss the tax deadline?
If you fail to file your federal tax return on time, the standard penalty is 5% of any tax due for every month the return is late, up to 25% of the unpaid balance. If you file a return but fail to pay any taxes you owe, or if you receive an extension, you typically face a much smaller monthly penalty of 0.5% of any unpaid amount.
What are local and state tax deadlines in PA?
State taxes are also often due at the same time federal taxes are due. So, if you file an extension for federal taxes, check the state tax deadline.
In Pennsylvania, the deadline to file returns for local and state taxes is today.
Pennsylvania allows taxpayers to file for an extension for those needed additional time.
Where is my refund? How to check tax refund status
Pennsylvanians can track the status of your federal and Pennsylvania state tax refund through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s tax portal.
You may track the status of your federal refund through the IRS refund status tool.
Michele Haddon can be reached at mhaddon@usatodayco.com. Please consider supporting local journalism with a subscription.
USA TODAY contributed to this report. Contributors: Medora Lee, Daniel de Visé, Cheryl McCloud, Krys’tal Griffin and Damon C. Williams.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Can I still file my taxes on April 15? How to file for a tax extension
