TIC TOC! TIC TOC! The October 15th Tax Deadline Is Getting Closer

Did you request an extension to file your 2025 tax return? TIC TOC—your extra time is running out!

If you properly requested an extension by the April 15, 2026 filing deadline, you generally have until October 15, 2026 to file your 2025 federal individual income tax return.

Although October may seem a little way off, don't let the deadline sneak up on you. Waiting until the final days can create unnecessary stress, especially if you're still gathering documents, organizing business expenses, reviewing deductions and credits, or trying to locate missing information.

Now is the time to get your return moving.

An Extension to File Wasn't an Extension to Pay

This is one of the most important things to remember about a tax extension:

An extension gives you more time to FILE—not more time to PAY.

For most individual taxpayers, any 2025 federal income tax owed was still due by April 15, 2026, even if an extension was properly requested. If you still have an unpaid balance, interest and applicable penalties may continue to increase the amount you owe.

Instead of thinking: “I have until October 15th.”

Think: “Let's get this taken care of BEFORE October 15th.”

What Should You Be Doing Now?

1. Gather Your Income Documents Start by making sure you have documents for all sources of income. Depending on your situation, these may include:

• W-2s and 1099s

• Retirement income statements

• Investment or brokerage statements

• Business and self-employment records

• Other records showing income received during 2025

Missing a document doesn't necessarily mean the income can be left off your return. Take the time now to identify what you may still need.

2. Organize Your Deductions and Credits

Gather records for deductions and credits that may apply to your situation, including possible business expenses, education expenses, dependent or child-care information, charitable contributions, retirement contributions, health savings account information, homeownership records, and estimated tax payments. Being organized now can make filing much easier later.

3. Don't Forget Your Side-Gig Income

Did you earn money from freelancing, consulting, ride-share or delivery services, online sales, contract work, or another business activity? Don't assume income doesn't have to be reported simply because you didn't receive a Form 1099. Generally, taxable business income must still be reported, and qualifying ordinary and necessary business expenses may be deductible.

Keep records of both your income and your expenses.

4. Review Your Extension and Payments

Locate your extension records and gather information about any federal tax payments you made for 2025, including payments made when requesting your extension. Accurate payment information is important when completing your return.

5. Don't Wait Until October 14th to Ask for Help

Tax professionals can become increasingly busy as October 15th approaches. Waiting until the last minute gives you less time to locate missing documents, correct errors, ask questions, review deductions and credits, address unexpected tax issues, and carefully review your return before filing.

The earlier you get organized, the better.

What If You Owe?

Don't let the fear of owing taxes stop you from filing.

Filing your return and paying your tax balance are two different issues.

If you can't pay the full amount immediately, payment options may be available depending on your circumstances. Ignoring the return because you're worried about the balance generally won't make the problem disappear.

File the return. Know what you owe. Then determine the appropriate next step.

What If You're Expecting a Refund?

Then why wait? If you're entitled to a refund, the IRS generally needs your tax return before it can process that refund. You may have money waiting for you.

Your Last-Minute Tax Filing Checklist

Before you file or send your information to your tax professional, ask yourself:

☐ Do I have all of my W-2s, 1099s, and other income records?

☐ Have I included all sources of income?

☐ Have I organized my business or self-employment income and expenses?

☐ Do I have records for deductions and credits that may apply?

☐ Do I have records of estimated tax and extension payments?

☐ Has anything significant changed since my previous tax return?

☐ Do I have current information for my dependents?

☐ Have I shared important financial or life changes with my tax professional?

☐ Have I verified my bank information if I'm requesting direct deposit?

☐ Have I started the filing process well before October 15th?

TIC TOC! Don't Turn Your Extension Into an Emergency

Requesting an extension can give you valuable additional time to prepare an accurate tax return. But that extra time can disappear quickly.

If you properly requested an extension for your 2025 federal individual income tax return, October 15, 2026 is approaching. Don't wait for the final countdown.

Gather your records.

Find your missing documents.

Ask your questions. Review your information.

And GET YOUR RETURN FILED!

TIC TOC! TIC TOC!

The clock is moving—and October 15th will be here before you know it.

Remember: The best way to plan for tomorrow is to gather as much information as you can today!