Artículo Filing electronic returns on time.. Filing electronic returns on time.

id="en_US_2025_publink1000170512"> Filing electronic returns on time. If you use IRS e-file , your return is considered filed on time if the authorized electronic return transmitter postmarks the transmission by the due date. An authorized electronic return transmitter is a participant in the IRS e-file program that transmits electronic tax return information directly to the IRS. The electronic postmark is a record of when the authorized electronic return transmitter received the transmission of your electronically filed return on its host system. The date and time in your time zone controls whether your electronically filed return is timely. Filing late. If you don’t file your return by the due date, you may have to pay a failure-to-file penalty and interest. For more information, see Penalties , later. Also see Interest under Amount You Owe , later. If you were due a refund but you didn’t file a return, you must generally file within 3 years from the date the return was due (including extensions) to get that refund. Nonresident alien. If you are a nonresident alien and earn wages subject to U.S. income tax withholding, your 2025 U.S. income tax return (Form 1040-NR) is due by: April 15, 2026, if you use a calendar year; or The 15th day of the 4th month after the end of your fiscal year, if you use a fiscal year. If you don’t earn wages subject to U.S. income tax withholding, your return is due by: June 15, 2026, if you use a calendar year; or The 15th day of the 6th month after the end of your fiscal year, if you use a fiscal year. See Pub. 519 for more filing information. Filing for a decedent. If you must file a final income tax return for a taxpayer who died during the year (a decedent), the return is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the end of the decedent’s normal tax year. See Pub. 559. Extensions of Time To File You may be able to get an extension of time to file your return. There are three types of situations where you may qualify for an extension. Automatic extensions. You are outside the United States. You are serving in a combat zone. Automatic Extension If you can’t file your 2025 return by the due date, you may be able to get an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. Example. If your return is due on April 15, 2026, you will have until October 15, 2026, to file. . If you don’t pay the tax due by the regular due date (April 15 for most taxpayers), you will owe interest. You may also be charged penalties, discussed later. . How to get the automatic extension. You can get the automatic extension by: Using IRS e-file (electronic filing), or Filing a paper form. E-file options. There are two ways you can use e-file to get an extension of time to file. Complete Form 4868 to use as a worksheet. If you think you may owe tax when you file your return, use Part II of the form to estimate your balance due. If you e-file Form 4868 to the IRS, don’t send a paper Form 4868. E-file using your personal computer or a tax professional. You can use a tax software package with your personal computer or a tax professional to file Form 4868 electronically. Free File and Free File Fillable Forms, both available at IRS.gov, allow you to prepare and e-file Form 4868 for free. You will need to provide certain information from you