Quick Read
- April 15, 2026, is the federal and most state income tax filing deadline for 2025 income.
- The IRS began accepting 2025 tax returns on Monday, January 26, 2026.
- Tax brackets for 2025 income are adjusted for inflation, with seven federal tiers.
- Free online filing options include IRS Free File (for incomes up to $89,000) and Free File Fillable Forms (for all incomes).
- Extensions for filing are available until October 15, but taxes owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties.
WASHINGTON (Azat TV) – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging taxpayers to finalize their 2025 income tax returns as the April 15, 2026 deadline rapidly approaches. With the tax season well underway, millions of Americans are navigating updated federal tax brackets and a range of filing options, including several free resources.
The IRS began accepting and processing 2025 income tax returns on Monday, January 26, 2026, marking the official start of the filing period. Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to submit their returns and pay any taxes due. While extensions for filing can be requested until October 15, 2026, it is critical to note that any taxes owed must still be paid by the April 15 deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
Key Dates for the 2026 Tax Season
The 2026 tax season for 2025 income features several important dates for taxpayers:
- January 26, 2026: The IRS began accepting and processing 2025 income tax returns.
- April 15, 2026: The primary deadline for filing federal and most state income tax returns and paying any taxes owed. This year, the deadline does not fall on a weekend, meaning no automatic extension is granted.
- June 15, 2026: A two-month extension for U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside the United States.
- October 15, 2026: The deadline for taxpayers who filed for an automatic extension to submit their returns. Taxes owed, however, were still due by April 15.
Special extensions apply to certain groups, including military members serving in combat zones or contingency operations, who may request a 180-day extension to file and pay. Individuals impacted by federally declared disasters, such as floods or wildfires, may also qualify for extensions as part of disaster relief efforts.
Understanding 2025 Federal Tax Brackets
The IRS annually adjusts tax brackets, which are income tiers taxed at different rates under the progressive U.S. tax system. These adjustments account for inflation, meaning the brackets for 2025 income, filed in 2026, are slightly higher than those for 2024. Understanding these brackets is crucial for predicting tax liability.
The U.S. tax system features seven tax brackets, each with a progressively higher tax rate. For example, a single individual earning $75,000 in taxable income in 2025 would pay 10% on the first $11,925, 12% on income between $11,926 and $48,475, and 22% on income above $48,475. The highest individual federal tax bracket for 2025 is 37%, applying to taxable income over $626,350 for single filers and over $751,600 for married couples filing jointly.
Here are the 2025 federal tax brackets for various filing statuses:
2025 Tax Brackets for Individual Filers:
- 10%: Up to $11,925
- 12%: Over $11,925 to $48,475
- 22%: Over $48,475 to $103,350
- 24%: Over $103,350 to $197,300
- 32%: Over $197,300 to $205,525
- 35%: Over $205,525 to $626,350
- 37%: Over $626,350
2025 Tax Brackets for Married Couples Filing Jointly:
- 10%: Up to $23,850
- 12%: Over $23,850 to $96,950
- 22%: Over $96,950 to $206,700
- 24%: Over $206,700 to $394,600
- 32%: Over $394,600 to $501,050
- 35%: Over $501,050 to $751,600
- 37%: Over $751,600
For heads of household, who generally pay for more than half of a household’s expenses, the income thresholds are adjusted to reflect additional costs. The lowest bracket for heads of household is 10% for income up to $17,000.
Navigating Free Tax Filing Options
While the IRS’s Direct File program, used by 300,000 people last year, has been discontinued for 2026, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the private sector is expected ‘to do a better job.’ Despite this change, several free options remain available for taxpayers:
- IRS Free File: Available to filers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less. This program links taxpayers to commercial ‘trusted partners’ that offer free access to guided tax software and filing.
- Free File Fillable Forms: This option is available to anyone, regardless of income or return complexity. It provides electronic versions of IRS paper forms but without the guided assistance of tax software. Identity verification requires a phone number to receive a text message.
- MilTax: Military servicemembers and some veterans qualify for free tax software and dedicated support.
- CalFile: California residents can use CalFile, accessible via the state Franchise Tax Board’s website, to determine state tax liability and submit returns online, often using information from their federal returns.
For those preferring in-person assistance, IRS-overseen volunteer programs offer free tax help to individuals with incomes of $67,000 or less, those aged 60 or older, disabled individuals, or those not fluent in English. The IRS’s locator tool can help taxpayers find nearby help sessions and schedule appointments.
Tips for a Smooth Tax Filing Experience
The IRS recommends that taxpayers create an ‘IRS Individual Online Account’ or a ‘Tax Pro Account’ to securely access tax information, make payments, view balances, and protect against identity theft. Early preparation is encouraged to avoid last-minute issues or overdue returns.
Taxpayers can also explore strategies to potentially lower their taxable income. Contributing to a 401(k) or a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can reduce taxable income, potentially moving a taxpayer into a lower bracket or reducing their overall tax liability. Filing status, such as married filing jointly or individually, can also impact bracket qualification.
For those who prefer mailing in paper forms, a recent change in U.S. Postal Service operations means the standard postmark date now reflects when an envelope is first processed by an automated sorting facility, not necessarily when it leaves the taxpayer’s possession. To ensure a timely postmark, taxpayers can request a manual postmark for free at a post office counter.
As the April 15 deadline approaches, the IRS’s emphasis on online accounts and continued provision of free filing options underscore a push towards streamlined, secure tax processing, even as certain direct government services are phased out. The onus remains on taxpayers to proactively understand their obligations and leverage available resources to meet federal requirements.