---
title: "Federal income tax filing deadline"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/when-to-file
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: IRS, \"When to file\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: finance
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "When to file"
    publisher: IRS
    url: https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/when-to-file
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# Federal income tax filing deadline

## Summary
Calendar-year individual returns were due April 15, 2026 (moving to the next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday). Form 4868 gives an automatic 6-month extension to file, but not to pay.

> **General information, not financial or tax advice. Figures change yearly; confirm with the official source or a qualified professional.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: For calendar-year filers the IRS lists the 2026 filing date as April 15, 2026.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: If the 15th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: A mailed return is on time if properly addressed, postmarked, and mailed by the due date.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: Form 4868, filed by the original due date, gives an automatic 6-month extension to file.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F5
  claim: An extension to file is not an extension to pay; tax owed should be paid by the original date to avoid penalties.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F6
  claim: Fiscal-year filers file by the 15th day of the fourth month after their fiscal year ends.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Full official guidance beyond this summary
  where: https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/when-to-file
  access: open, no account