You can file your federal tax return as soon as the IRS opens the e-file system for the year, and you generally have until the standard filing deadline to submit. For individual returns in 2025, the IRS opened the 2025 tax filing season on January 27, 2025, for returns covering 2024 income, and the usual filing deadline is April 15, 2025. If you need more time, you can request an extension (typically until October 15, 2025 for 2024 returns) by filing Form 4868, but any taxes owed are still due by the original due date to avoid penalties. If you’re filing for a different filing year or have a non- calendar-year business or special circumstances, deadlines can vary. Key points:

• Start filing when the IRS e-file system opens for the tax year you’re filing. For 2024 returns, e-file opened in late January 2025.
• Standard due date for individual 2024 returns is April 15, 2025.
• Use Form 4868 to request an automatic extension of time to file, typically extending the filing deadline to October 15, 2025, with any tax owed still due by April 15, 2025.
• Extensions are not automatic penalties-free; ensure any estimated taxes owed are paid to minimize interest and penalties.

If you share your location (country) and whether you’re filing as an individual or business, and the tax year you’re addressing, more precise dates and steps can be provided.