Internal Revenue Service - Information Release
IR-2023-89
Missed the April 18 filing deadline? File now to limit penalties and interest   
April 19, 2023 
   
   
   
Media Relations Office
Washington, D.C.
www.IRS.gov/newsroom   
Media Contact: 202.317.4000   
Public Contact: 800.829.1040
   
 Missed the April 18 filing deadline? File now    
 to limit penalties and interest    
     
IR-2023-89, April 19, 2023   
   
WASHINGTON -- The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers who missed Tuesday's April 18 tax-filing deadline to file as soon as possible. Taxpayers who owe and missed the deadline without requesting an extension should file quickly to limit penalties and interest. For struggling taxpayers unable to pay their tax bill, the IRS has several options available to help.   
     
The IRS also reminds taxpayers who owed a refund that they don't receive a penalty for filing late. People shouldn't overlook filing a tax return. Every year, more than 1 million taxpayers overlook a tax refund; the IRS reminds those who didn't file in 2019  that time is running out to get any refund owed to them.   
     
For 2022 tax returns due April 18, 2023, some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay taxes due without penalties and interest, including:   
     
- Members of the military who served or are currently serving in a combat zone. They may qualify for an additional extension of at least 180 days  to file and pay taxes.   
     
- Support personnel in combat zones or a contingency operation in support of the Armed Forces. They may also qualify for a filing and payment extension  of at least 180 days.   
     
- Taxpayers outside the United States. U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including military members on duty who don't qualify for the combat zone extension, may qualify for a two-month filing and payment extension.   
     
- Some disaster victims. Those who qualify have more time to file and pay  what they owe.   
     
 Don't overlook filing; people may miss out on a tax refund    
     
Taxpayers who choose not to file a return because they don't earn enough to meet the filing requirement may miss out on receiving a refund due to potential refundable tax credits. The most common examples of these refundable credits are the Earned Income Tax Credit  and Child Tax Credit. Taxpayers often fail to file a tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which they may be eligible.   
     
There's no penalty for filing after the April 18 deadline if a refund is due. Taxpayers are encouraged to use electronic filing options including IRS Free File  which is available on IRS.gov through Oct.16 to prepare and file 2022 tax returns electronically.   
     
Taxpayers can track their refund using the Where's My Refund?  tool on IRS.gov, IRS2Go  or by calling the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. Taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status information updates once daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently.   
     
 File and pay what you can to reduce penalties and interest    
     
Taxpayers should file their tax return and pay any taxes they owe as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. An extension to file provides an additional six months with a new filing deadline of Oct. 16. Penalties and interest apply to taxes owed after April 18 and interest  is charged on tax and penalties until the balance is paid in full.   
     
Filing and paying as much as possible is key because the late-filing penalty and late-payment penalty add up quickly.   
     
Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return to reduce possible late-filing penalties. The IRS offers a variety of options for taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay. For more information see the penalties page  on IRS.gov.   
     
Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements, including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, see the first-time penalty abatement  page on IRS.gov.   
     
 Pay taxes due electronically    
     
Those who owe taxes can pay quickly and securely via their IRS Online Account, IRS Direct Pay, debit or credit card or digital wallet, or they can apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement).   
     
Taxpayers paying electronically receive immediate confirmation when they submit their payment. With Direct Pay  and the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), taxpayers can receive email notifications about their payments. For more payment options, visit IRS.gov/payments.   
     
 Selecting a tax professional    
     
The IRS offers tips to help taxpayers choose a tax professional  to help with tax return preparation. The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications  can help taxpayers find tax return preparers who hold a professional credential recognized by the IRS or who have completed IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program.   
     
 Taxpayer Bill of Rights    
     
Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when they interact with the IRS. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights  presents these rights in 10 categories. IRS Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer  PDF, highlights these rights and the agency's obligation to protect them.