Taxes have funded governments for centuries, evolving from tributes in ancient empires to structured systems today. In the U.S., the modern federal income tax began with the Revenue Act of 1861 to finance the Civil War, but it was the 16th Amendment in 1913 that permanently established it. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), created in 1862, now oversees tax collection, requiring most individuals and businesses to file annual returns. The standard deadline for individual tax returns is April 15, which holds for 2025 as it’s a Tuesday.
Filing taxes means reporting income—wages, investments, or self-employment—along with deductions (e.g., mortgage interest, charitable donations) and credits (e.g., Child Tax Credit) to determine your tax liability or refund. Accurate filing prevents penalties, like 5% monthly late-filing fees or interest on unpaid taxes. The process can be complex, especially for those with multiple income streams or incomplete records.
Historically, tax deadlines were rigid, but flexibility increased over time. Today, if you can’t file by April 15, IRS Form 4868 grants an automatic extension to October 15. This extends filing, not payment—you must estimate and pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties. Extensions are common for complex returns, missing documents, or personal crises.
Natural disasters can further extend deadlines. The IRS often grants relief to states hit by events like hurricanes, wildfires, or floods, recognizing the disruption to residents’ lives. Taxpayers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have until May 1 to file taxes. Several counties in Virginia also have this extended deadline. Residents of Los Angeles County in California have until October 15th to file, while in Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and portions of West Virginia, the deadline is November 3rd.
To navigate tax season, maintain organized records, use tax software, or hire a professional. For extensions, file Form 4868 electronically or by mail before April 15. Disaster-related extensions are automatic for affected areas, but check irs.gov for specifics. Understanding taxes and leveraging extensions, especially in emergencies, ensures compliance without added stress.
Despite the looming cuts, the IRS has said tax return processing times remain in line with those from last year. Through the first week of April, 101.4 million returns were processed, similar to the 101.8 million processed at the same time last year.
