Tag: Tax and IRS News

Issue Number: IRS Tax Tip 2026-32

Actions taxpayers should take if they missed April filing and payment deadline 

Taxpayers who missed the April 15 filing deadline should submit their federal tax return as soon as possible. Those who missed the deadline to file and owe taxes should file as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest.
Requesting an extension allows for additional time to file but not to pay taxes owed. Interest and penalties will continue to accrue on the owed taxes until the balance is paid in full.
Taxpayers who still need to file for the 2025 tax year can use electronic filing options such as IRS Free File, which is available on IRS.gov through Oct. 15, 2026.

File and pay now to limit penalties and interest charges
If a taxpayer can’t afford to pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return and pay as much as possible. The IRS offers options for taxpayers who need help paying their tax bill. For more information, visit the Penalties page on IRS.gov.
Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements. For more information, see the Administrative penalty relief page on IRS.gov.

Online payment options
Individuals can pay taxes owed securely through IRS Online Account, IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or by debit or credit card or digital wallet. Taxpayers may also apply online for a payment plan, including installment agreements. The Business Tax Account allows eligible taxpayers and their designated officials to view tax balances, make payments and see payment history.
Those who pay electronically get immediate confirmation after submitting payment. IRS Direct Pay and the EFTPS allow taxpayers to receive payment email notifications. Find additional payment information on the Make a payment page on IRS.gov.

If a refund is owed, consider filing a tax return
There’s no penalty for filing after April 15, if the IRS owes the taxpayer a refund. Taxpayers who choose not to file a tax return because they don’t earn enough to meet the filing requirement may miss out on receiving a refund due to potential refundable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

Choose a trusted tax professional
Taxpayers who have yet to file a tax return might consider getting help from a tax preparer. The IRS provides resources if they need someone to prepare a tax return. The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help taxpayers find tax return preparers with professional certifications recognized by the IRS or who have completed the IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program.

More information
Where’s my refund?

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Issue Number:   IR-2026-53

Inside This Issue

IRS launches new online tool to help taxpayers resolve tax debt

IR-2026-53, April 16, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced a new online tool to help taxpayers understand and resolve tax debt.

The Tax Debt Help tool provides individuals and businesses with a simple, accessible way to explore payment options and identify next steps based on their situation. The tool is part of the IRS’s broader effort to expand digital services and make it easier for taxpayers to meet their obligations.

“This new Tax Debt Help tool reflects the agency’s commitment to making tax compliance clearer, more accessible, and less intimidating for taxpayers,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “By guiding taxpayers through their options to pay with simple, interactive questions, we’re helping them understand the paths available and take confident next steps. The deployment of this new tool shows the transformation underway at the IRS and the progress the agency has already made to deliver more user-friendly, digital-first services to taxpayers.” 

Helping taxpayers find the right option

The Tax Debt Help tool walks users through a series of straightforward questions about their financial situation and tax debt. Based on taxpayer responses, the tool will guide them to potential payment and resolution options available through the IRS.

These options may include payment plans, temporary delay of collections, or an offer in compromise for those who qualify. By presenting options in a clear, structured format, the tool helps taxpayers make informed decisions about how to resolve their tax debt. 

Designed for simplicity and privacy The tool is designed to be easy to use and accessible to a wide range of taxpayers. It does not require specialized knowledge and can be used at any time.

To protect taxpayer privacy, the tool does not require taxpayers to enter personally identifiable information. Taxpayers can explore available options without providing details such as Social Security numbers, names, or addresses. By expanding self-service options, the IRS is helping taxpayers resolve issues faster while reducing the need for phone calls or in-person visits.   

Additional resources

Taxpayers can find more information using the following resources:

• Get help with tax debt
• Apply online for a payment plan
• Publication 6103, Get Help with Tax Debt 
• Information on payment plans
• Online account for individuals
• Business Tax Account

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Issue Number: IRS Tax Tip 2026-31

Options for taxpayers who need help paying their tax bill

The filing and payment deadline for most 2025 federal tax returns is April 15, 2026. There are exceptions for taxpayers in a disaster area, combat zone or living and working abroad. Taxpayers who can’t pay their tax bill by the deadline shouldn’t panic – the IRS offers a variety of options to help taxpayers meet their obligations.

Those struggling to meet their tax obligation may consider several options to resolve their tax bill. The Tax Debt Help tool on IRS.gov provides individuals and businesses with a simple, accessible way to explore payment options and identify next steps based on their situation. These options include:

Online payment plans
Most individual taxpayers qualify for an online payment plan. The quickest and easiest way to set up a payment plan is through the online payment agreement, available on IRS.gov. Setup fees may apply.

• Short-term payment plan – The total balance owed is less than $100,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest. This gives a taxpayer up to 180 days to pay their balance in full.
• Long-term payment plan – Also known as a simple plan or installment agreement. This option is available online and to individual taxpayers that owe $50,000 or less in combined tax, penalties and interest. Most taxpayers have up to 10 years to pay off their balance, but the longer the term on the payment plan, the more interest, penalties and fees will add up. Payments may be made using direct debit (automatic bank withdrawal). This eliminates the need to send in a payment each month, saves postage costs and reduces the chance of default.

Once the online application is complete, the taxpayer is notified immediately whether their plan is approved. There’s no paperwork and no need to call, write or visit the IRS.

Other payment options
Anyone who can’t qualify for an online payment plan should consider these options:

• Offer in compromise – Some taxpayers qualify to settle their tax liabilities for less than the total amount owed by submitting an Offer in Compromise. Taxpayers should use the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool on IRS.gov to see if they qualify.
• Temporary delay of collection – Taxpayers can contact the IRS to request a temporary delay of the collection process. If the IRS determines that the taxpayer is unable to pay, it may delay collection until the taxpayer’s financial condition improves. Penalties and interest continue to accrue until the full amount is paid.

Taxpayers can get details on these options and more by visiting the Tax Debt Help page or reviewing Topic 202, Tax payment options, on IRS.gov.

Penalty relief to eligible taxpayers
Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they tried to comply with tax laws but are unable to due to circumstances beyond their control.

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Issue Number:  IR-2026-52

Inside This Issue

If you need more time to file, request an extension

IR-2026-52, April 14, 2026

WASHINGTON — As the end of filing season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers they can get an extension to file their federal income tax return until Oct. 15, 2026, but they must request the extension by April 15, 2026, in order to avoid penalties.

An extension provides extra time to file, not additional time to pay. Taxes owed are still due by April 15. To avoid or minimize penalties and interest, taxpayers should estimate their total tax liability, subtract any payments already made, and pay the remaining balance by the deadline.

 Ways to request an extension to Oct. 15

• Use IRS Free File.  All individual filers can use IRS Free File guided software at IRS.gov to electronically request an extension at no cost.
• Use Free File Fillable Forms. Taxpayers can complete and submit Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, electronically, regardless of income.
• Pay online and select “extension.” Taxpayers who pay all or part of what they owe using IRS online payment options, including IRS Online Account, Direct Pay, or Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (if already registered), can select “extension” as the reason for the payment. This automatically generates an extension; no additional forms are required. Taxpayers should keep their confirmation number in their records.
• File Form 4868 by mail. Taxpayers can complete and mail Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to the address listed in the form instructions.

Automatic extensions for certain taxpayers

Some taxpayers automatically receive additional time to file, even if they do not request an extension:

• Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two-month extension to file, until June 15. However, tax payments are still due April 15 to avoid interest.
• Taxpayers serving in combat zones generally have at least 180 days after leaving the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.
• U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two-month extension of time to file, until June 15. Interest will still apply to payment received after April 15.
• Taxpayers in certain federally declared disaster areas may receive additional time to file and pay. Those eligible do not need to request an extension. Information on the most recent tax relief for disaster situations is available on IRS.gov.

Payment options

The IRS offers several options to make a payment and get the automatic filing extension:

• IRS Individual Online Account
• IRS Direct Pay
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System
• Credit card, debit card, or digital wallet

More information

• Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
• Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad

• Tax information for members of the military provides general information for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families
• IRS Free File at IRS.gov/FreeFile
• Online payment options at IRS.gov/payments
• Disaster relief information at IRS.gov/disaster

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Issue Number:    IR-2026-51

Inside This Issue

IRS hosting free webinar to share last-minute tips for the filing season

IR-2026-51, April 13, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced it will be hosting a free 30-minute webinar for taxpayers and tax professionals to provide last-minute tips for filing season on Tuesday, April 14, at 1 p.m. Eastern time.

The IRS continues to work to ensure a successful filing season for America’s taxpayers and this webinar will offer information that last minute filers can use to file and pay on time. Highlights from the 2026 filing season, through April 3:

• The average refund amount is $3,462.
• About 98 percent of tax refunds have been issued electronically via direct deposit, out of a total of about 70 million refunds issued.
• Over 98 percent of returns were filed electronically, out of a total of about 100 million individual federal income tax returns.
• The average refund is up by more than 11 percent with total refunds now at about $242 billion.

Webinar for Taxpayers

There will be IRS experts providing details on multiple topics. Helping taxpayers is especially important this filing season to ensure they are aware of the taxpayer-favorable changes enacted last year as part of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. American families are seeing major financial benefits, in the form of higher refunds, as a result of several signature provisions of this landmark legislation, including:

• No tax on tips
• No tax on overtime
• No tax on car loan interest
• A special tax deduction for seniors, and
• Permanent extension of several existing tax provisions that had been set to expire

The IRS encourages anyone who has not filed a federal tax return yet to electronically file and choose direct deposit if they are due a refund. IRS Free File is available to most taxpayers, but there are also other options like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for Elderly (TCE).

The IRS provides assistance to taxpayers through multiple channels: online, over the phone or in person. Taxpayer Assistance Centers remain open with extended hours through the end of this month. IRS.gov offers a wide range of resources.

Please be advised that a Continuing Education (CE) credit will not be offered for this webinar, as this session is designed to provide general informational guidance for the public.

Registration for Last-Minute Tips

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