April 15 isn’t just the deadline for filing your federal income tax return. Several other important tax obligations and opportunities also fall on this date. Missing them could mean losing out on savings or facing penalties and interest.
Making 2025 IRA Contributions
Even though it’s 2026, you can still make contributions for the 2025 tax year to a traditional or Roth IRA until April 15. The limit is $7,000, or $8,000 if you’re age 50 or older.
- Traditional IRA contributions may be deductible, but deductions phase out if you or your spouse participate in a workplace retirement plan and your income exceeds certain thresholds.
- Roth IRA contributions aren’t deductible, but qualified withdrawals are tax‑free. Income limits apply, and if phased out, you may still make nondeductible traditional IRA contributions.
Remember: the April 15 deadline applies even if you file for an extension.
Making 2025 SEP Contributions
Business owners and self‑employed individuals can still lower their 2025 tax liability by contributing to a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan by April 15.
- Contribution limits: up to 25% of eligible compensation, capped at $70,000.
- If you have qualifying employees, they must be included at the same contribution percentage.
If you file for an extension, you have until October 15 to set up and fund your SEP for 2025.
Filing for an Extension
If you can’t file your individual return by April 15, submit Form 4868 to request a six‑month extension. This avoids failure‑to‑file penalties, but it doesn’t extend the payment deadline. Taxes owed must still be paid by April 15 to minimize interest and late payment penalties.
Taxpayers living abroad or serving in the military outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico automatically receive a two‑month filing extension, but payments are still due April 15.
Paying First Installment of 2026 Estimated Taxes
Estimated tax filers must make their first 2026 payment by April 15. Penalties apply if you don’t pay enough throughout the year.
- Generally required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in 2026 and have income without withholding (self‑employment, dividends, capital gains, etc.).
- To avoid penalties, pay at least 90% of your 2026 liability or 110% of your 2025 liability (100% if your 2025 AGI was $150,000 or less, or $75,000 or less if married filing separately).
Filing a 2025 Trust or Estate Return
Trustees and executors of estates using a calendar tax year must file Form 1041 by April 15 if gross income was $600 or more or if any beneficiary is a nonresident alien.
- For the year of death, Form 1041 must report income, deductions, and credits up to the date of death.
- If assets pass directly to heirs, a return may not be required.
Extensions are available (Form 7004), but taxes must still be paid by April 15.
Other April 15 Deadlines
Additional filings may apply, such as federal gift tax returns or Reports of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). Staying on top of all deadlines helps you remain compliant, avoid penalties, and maximize tax‑saving opportunities.
Conclusion
April 15 is more than just “tax day.” From IRA contributions to estimated payments, extensions, and trust filings, multiple deadlines converge. Understanding which ones apply to you ensures compliance and may save you money.