Penalties for Missing the Filing Deadline Without an Extension
Failure-to-File Penalty:
This penalty generally applies when a tax return is filed late without a valid extension. It is typically 5% of the unpaid tax per month (or part of a month) that the return is late, up to a maximum of 25% of the unpaid tax.
If the return is more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty is generally the lesser of $525 (for recent tax years, adjusted periodically for inflation) or 100% of the unpaid tax.
Failure-to-Pay Penalty:
If tax is not paid by the original due date, the IRS generally charges 0.5% of the unpaid tax per month (or part of a month), up to a maximum of 25% of the unpaid tax.
If both failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties apply for the same month, the failure-to-file penalty is generally reduced by the amount of the failure-to-pay penalty.
Interest Charges:
Interest is charged on unpaid tax from the original due date until the tax is paid in full. The interest rate is set quarterly by the IRS and compounds daily.
Important Note:
Filing Form 4868 on time avoids the failure-to-file penalty but does not remove the obligation to pay tax by the original due date. If payment is late, interest and the failure-to-pay penalty may still apply.
Source:
Form 4868 Instructions
Disclaimer: Always verify with the current IRS forms, instructions, and your state’s Department of Revenue for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.