WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service released a Tax Time Guide on March 26, 2026, urging taxpayers who still owe money or have not filed their 2025 federal income tax returns to act quickly before the April 15, 2026, deadline.
Acting early can limit failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, reduce accruing interest, prevent processing delays and open more options for resolving balances. The guide outlines six practical steps designed to help individuals stay on track during the final weeks of the 2026 filing season.
Step one focuses on preparation. Taxpayers should gather all income documents and review their returns to ensure every source of income is reported accurately. They must also claim all eligible deductions correctly, including any reported on the new Schedule 1-A for additional deductions introduced under recent legislation. Keeping supporting records such as pay statements remains essential for substantiating entries on the return.
Step two emphasizes reviewing the return before submission. Those who have not filed should submit as soon as possible, even if they cannot pay the full amount owed. Filing on time allows taxpayers to claim available credits and deductions, reduces the failure-to-file penalty and provides access to payment plans and other resolution options. Electronic filing offers the fastest and most accurate method. It eliminates concerns about postmark dates since the return is considered filed upon successful transmission. For paper returns, the postmark date determines timeliness, though recent Postal Service guidance notes potential delays between mailbox drop-off and actual postmark.
Step three advises making a partial payment by the deadline if full payment is not possible. Sending even a portion of the balance reduces the total penalties and interest that will accrue. The IRS provides multiple electronic payment options directly through IRS.gov for convenience and security.
Step four addresses setting up a payment plan. Many taxpayers qualify for an installment agreement that can be requested online. Choosing a schedule that fits individual circumstances helps prevent the balance from growing larger due to compounded penalties and interest. Early setup of such plans gives taxpayers more control and flexibility.
Step five stresses responding promptly to any IRS notices received. Notices may request payment, additional documentation or corrective action. Reading the notice carefully and replying by the specified date helps avoid escalation of penalties or further delays in case resolution.
Step six highlights the value of IRS online tools. The Individual Online Account allows users to view balances, make payments and manage installment agreements securely. The Where’s My Refund tool tracks refund status, while Direct Pay handles electronic payments. The Document Upload Tool provides a fast way to send information in response to notices without mailing paper copies. These resources reduce the need for phone calls or in-person visits and deliver quicker answers.
The IRS reminds taxpayers that waiting until the last minute can shrink available options and increase costs. Filing and paying as much as possible by April 15, 2026, remains the best strategy for minimizing financial impact. Extensions to file until October 15, 2026, are available but do not extend the deadline to pay any taxes owed.
Southern Maryland residents facing challenges with their returns can access free or low-cost assistance through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties. Local organizations offer appointments for qualifying taxpayers, including those with limited income, disabilities or language barriers.
More detailed guidance and all necessary forms appear on IRS.gov. Taxpayers should use official IRS channels to avoid scams that increase during filing season.
This guidance arrives as the 2026 filing season nears its close, with the IRS expecting approximately 164 million individual returns for tax year 2025. Officials encourage everyone with outstanding obligations to take the outlined steps promptly to protect their financial standing and resolve issues efficiently.
