Can I Get Another Tax Extension After October 15?

Filing taxes can be stressful, and many taxpayers request an extension to give themselves more time. However, once the October 15 deadline for an extension passes, some may wonder if they can get even more time to file. Understanding what happens after this deadline is important, especially when it comes to penalties, interest, and possible options for late filing.

Standard Extension Limits

The IRS grants an automatic six-month extension to taxpayers who submit Form 4868 by April 15, moving the filing deadline to October 15. However, this extension only applies to filing, not payment. Any taxes owed after April 15 begin accruing interest and penalties.

Extensions apply to individuals and certain businesses, including sole proprietors and single-member LLCs taxed as disregarded entities. Partnerships and S corporations have an earlier extension deadline of March 15, with a six-month extension to September 15 if Form 7004 is filed. C corporations generally follow the same April 15 deadline as individuals, with an extension available until October 15.

State tax extensions vary. Some states automatically grant an extension if a federal extension is approved, while others require a separate request. California provides an automatic six-month extension without requiring a form, whereas New York requires filing Form IT-370. Taxpayers should check their state’s specific rules to avoid penalties.

Filing After the Deadline

Once the October 15 deadline passes, any unfiled return is considered late, triggering the failure-to-file penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax per month, up to a maximum of 25%. If a return is more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty is either $510 or 100% of the unpaid tax, whichever is lower. Interest also accrues daily on any unpaid balance at the federal short-term rate plus 3%.

The IRS offers some relief options. Taxpayers with a history of timely filing may qualify for First-Time Penalty Abatement, which waives penalties for one tax period. Reasonable cause relief is available for circumstances like serious illness or natural disasters, but supporting documentation may be required.

Filing as soon as possible reduces penalties. The IRS allows electronic filing for prior-year returns, but after a certain period, paper filing becomes the only option. If a refund is due, there is no penalty for filing late, but refunds must be claimed within three years or they are forfeited to the U.S. Treasury.

Second Extension Possibilities

After October 15, the IRS does not offer a second automatic extension for individual taxpayers. However, certain circumstances may allow for delayed filing without immediate penalties.

Taxpayers living abroad, including military personnel stationed outside the U.S., receive an automatic two-month extension to June 15. Those needing more time can request the standard extension to October 15. Military members in combat zones receive at least 180 days after leaving the area before their return is considered late.

The IRS also grants deadline extensions for federally declared disasters. For example, after Hurricane Ian in 2022, the IRS extended deadlines for affected Florida taxpayers until February 15, 2023. These extensions apply only to designated regions, which the IRS announces on its website.

Potential Penalties and Interest

Failing to file after the final deadline leads to ongoing financial consequences. Interest continues to accrue on unpaid balances until fully paid. The IRS adjusts interest rates quarterly, basing them on the federal short-term rate plus 3%, meaning the rate can fluctuate. Since interest is calculated daily, delaying payment increases the total amount owed.

Beyond financial penalties, prolonged non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions. The IRS may issue a Notice of Deficiency, also known as a 90-day letter, giving taxpayers a limited window to dispute additional taxes owed before collections begin. If no action is taken, the IRS may file a Substitute for Return (SFR), an estimated tax return based on available income data. SFRs often result in a higher tax liability since they do not account for deductions or credits the taxpayer may have been eligible for.

Payment Requirements

Even if a return is filed late, the IRS expects any outstanding balance to be paid promptly. Several payment options are available, including full payment, installment agreements, and temporary collection delays.

For those who can pay in full, the IRS Direct Pay system allows payments directly from a bank account without fees. Credit and debit card payments are accepted but come with processing fees from third-party providers.

If full payment is not feasible, taxpayers can apply for an installment agreement. Short-term plans, available for balances under $100,000, provide up to 180 days to pay. Long-term agreements require monthly payments and are available for debts up to $50,000. Interest and penalties continue to accrue until the balance is fully paid.

For those facing financial hardship, the IRS may temporarily delay collection efforts under “Currently Not Collectible” (CNC) status. This does not eliminate the debt but prevents enforcement actions like wage garnishments or bank levies. Taxpayers must provide financial documentation proving they cannot afford payments. Another option is an Offer in Compromise (OIC), which allows taxpayers to settle their debt for less than the full amount owed. The IRS evaluates OIC applications based on income, expenses, and asset equity, and approval is not guaranteed.