U.S. · Federal taxes · 2027 deadlines
Tax Day 2027 date.
The April 15 deadline, the October 15 extension, the estimated payment dates around them, and what late filing costs.
Tax Day 2027 is Thursday, April 15, 2027. An extension moves the filing deadline to Friday, October 15, 2027, but any tax you owe is still due April 15.
Count the days
Days to each deadline
The dates
| Deadline | Date | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Q4 2026 estimated payment | Friday, January 15, 2027 | Fourth installment for 2026 |
| Tax Day | Thursday, April 15, 2027 | File 2026 Form 1040 or request an extension; pay any balance; make 2026 IRA contributions; first 2027 estimated payment |
| Q2 2027 estimated payment | Tuesday, June 15, 2027 | Second 2027 installment |
| Q3 2027 estimated payment | Wednesday, September 15, 2027 | Third 2027 installment |
| Extended deadline | Friday, October 15, 2027 | File 2026 return if you requested an extension |
The IRS says that when the 15th lands on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next business day. None of the dates above is affected in 2027. The weekday for each date is computed from the calendar, not copied. Mailed returns are on time if properly addressed, postmarked and deposited by the due date.
An extension is not more time to pay
The IRS is explicit that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. You request it by the April due date, and you should pay what you expect to owe then. The IRS gives three ways: pay online and check the box that you are paying as part of an extension, file Form 4868 through tax software, or mail the form.
What late costs
The failure to file penalty is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month the return is late, up to 25%. The failure to pay penalty is 0.5% a month, up to 25%. In a month when both apply, the filing penalty is reduced to 4.5%, so the total is 5%. If a return is more than 60 days late, the minimum filing penalty for returns due after December 31, 2025 is $525 or 100% of the tax due, whichever is less. Interest is charged on top.
Example 1. You owe $4,000 and file one month late without paying: 4.5% + 0.5% = 5% of $4,000, which is $200 before interest. Example 2. You file an extension on time and pay the full $4,000 on October 15: only the payment penalty can apply, 0.5% for each of the six months from April 16 to October 15, which is 3% or $120, plus interest. Paying on April 15 avoids both. Use the penalty and interest calculator for your own figures.
Other things due on April 15
IRS Publication 590-A says you can make an IRA contribution for the prior year until the due date of your return, without extensions. For 2026 that is April 15, 2027. The first 2027 estimated tax payment is also due that day; see the estimated tax due dates.
Limits of this page
Disaster-area postponements, military and combat-zone rules and residents of other countries have different dates. Check the IRS for relief that applies to you.
Sources
Primary sources opened and checked on November 1, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tax filing deadline for 2027?
Thursday, April 15, 2027, for most individuals filing 2026 federal returns. The IRS says that if the 15th falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the due date moves to the next business day; April 15, 2027 is a Thursday, so it does not move.
What is the extended tax deadline in 2027?
Friday, October 15, 2027. The IRS says an extension request gives you until October 15 to file without penalties, but you must still pay what you owe by the April date.
How do I get a tax extension for 2027?
Request it by the April 15 due date. The IRS lists three ways: pay online and check the box that you are paying as part of an extension, file Form 4868 with tax software, or mail Form 4868.
What is the penalty for filing late?
5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month the return is late, up to 25%. If the return is more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty for returns due after 12/31/2025 is $525 or 100% of the tax due, whichever is less.
What is the penalty for paying late?
0.5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month, up to 25%. When both penalties apply in the same month, the failure to file penalty drops to 4.5% so the two together are 5%.
Is the IRA contribution deadline the same as Tax Day?
Yes for the filing date: contributions for 2026 can be made until the April 15, 2027 due date without extensions, per IRS Publication 590-A.
When are the 2027 estimated tax payments due?
January 15, 2027 for the fourth quarter of 2026, then April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2027 for the 2027 quarters. All four fall on weekdays.
Not tax advice
This page is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Confirm anything that matters with the IRS, a CPA or an enrolled agent. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere.