Form 4868
Avoid Costly Late Filing Penalties
For 2025 calendar-year returns filed in 2026, the regular federal filing deadlines were March 16, 2026 for partnerships and S corporations, and April 15, 2026 for most individuals and C corporations. A timely extension generally moves the filing deadline to September 15 or October 15, respectively. Special IRS relief may change these dates. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay.
For individuals and C corporations, the failure-to-file penalty is generally 5% of unpaid tax for each month or part of a month a return is late, up to 25%. For covered returns due in 2026 that are more than 60 days late, the minimum is the smaller of $525 or 100% of unpaid tax. The failure-to-pay penalty is generally 0.5% per month or partial month, up to 25%, plus interest. When both penalties apply in the same month, the filing penalty is reduced by the payment penalty; the usual combined monthly rate is 5%, not 5.5%.
Partnerships and S corporations can face separate late-filing penalties even when no income tax is due: generally $255 per partner or shareholder per month or partial month, for up to 12 months, for returns due in 2026. Penalty relief may be available. See the IRS late-filing rules and late-payment rules.
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