Overview
- The federal filing deadline for 2025 returns is April 15, 2026, and an extension moves only the paperwork to October 15 while any taxes owed are still due in April.
- Some states set later due dates in 2026, including Oklahoma on April 20, Hawaii on April 21, Delaware, Iowa and New Mexico on April 30, South Carolina and Virginia on May 1, and Louisiana on May 15.
- E-filing with direct deposit is the fastest route to a refund, often under 21 days, and tighter identity and bank checks this season can slow payments if details are missing or flagged.
- Several states cut top income tax rates effective January 1, 2026, with examples including Kentucky at 3.5%, Nebraska at 4.55%, Indiana at 2.95% and Ohio at 2.75%.
- The IRS collected more than $5.1 trillion in fiscal 2024, and those revenues fund major programs such as health coverage and Social Security according to nonpartisan budget analysis.