5 Tax Filing Tips for Taxpayers Who Requested an Extension

Taxpayers who received an extension to file their 2025 federal income tax return do not have to wait until the October 15, 2026, deadline to submit it. Filing earlier can help reduce last-minute stress and provide more time to address missing information, payment concerns, or other tax issues.

For taxpayers who still need to file, these five tips can help make the process smoother.

1. Gather and Review Your Tax Documents

Accurate and complete records can help reduce filing errors and potential processing delays. Before preparing a return, taxpayers should make sure they have received and reviewed all necessary income statements, deduction records, and other supporting documents.

Taxpayers can also use their IRS Individual Online Account to access certain account information and tax transcripts, make payments, and manage communication preferences.

Taking time to organize these records before filing can make it easier to prepare an accurate return.

2. Explore Free Filing Options

Eligible taxpayers may be able to prepare and electronically file their federal return at no cost through IRS Free File.

For the 2025 tax year, IRS Free File guided tax preparation is available to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less. The program may also help taxpayers identify certain credits for which they qualify.

IRS Free File Fillable Forms are another option for taxpayers who are comfortable preparing their own returns.

Some taxpayers may also qualify for free basic tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. These services may be available to individuals including those with disabilities, taxpayers with limited English proficiency, and people who generally qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

3. Choose a Qualified Tax Professional

Taxpayers who would rather have professional assistance should take care when selecting a tax preparer.

A qualified tax professional can help ensure that income, deductions, credits, and other information are reported correctly. Taxpayers should be cautious of preparers who make unrealistic promises, guarantee unusually large refunds, or are unwilling to sign the return they prepare.

Ultimately, taxpayers remain responsible for the information reported on their returns, making it important to work with a trusted professional.

4. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

An extension provides additional time to file a tax return, but it does not extend the deadline to pay taxes owed. For most extension filers, the filing deadline is October 15, 2026.

Taxpayers who are ready to file should consider doing so before the deadline rather than waiting until the final days. The IRS recommends filing electronically and choosing direct deposit when expecting a refund.

Taxpayers affected by federally declared disasters may qualify for additional time to file or pay, depending on the relief available for their location.

5. Review Your Payment Options

Taxpayers who owe a balance but cannot pay the full amount should generally still file their return and pay as much as they can. Doing so can help limit additional interest and late-payment penalties.

The IRS offers several options for taxpayers who need additional time to pay, including online payment plans. Taxpayers can also use IRS online services to review their account balance and available payment options.

Get Help Before the Extension Deadline

Filing an extension can provide valuable additional time to prepare an accurate tax return, but it is still important to address outstanding filing and payment obligations before the October deadline.

If you still need to file your 2025 tax return or have questions about taxes you may owe, Porte Brown’s tax professionals can help you review your situation, prepare an accurate return, and evaluate available payment options.

Source: IRS Tax Tip 2026-63