What to Do Before the October 15 Tax Deadline

If you filed an extension for your federal income tax return, October 15 is the deadline to file for most taxpayers. While an extension can give you additional time to prepare your return, it does not give you additional time to pay taxes you owe.​

With the deadline approaching, now is the time to gather your records, review your tax information, and make sure you are prepared to file. Taking care of these steps early can help reduce last-minute stress and give you time to address any issues that come up.

Here are several important things to do before October 15.

​1. Gather All of Your Tax Documents

Before you can complete your return, make sure you have all of the necessary income and expense records.
Depending on your situation, this may include:

• W-2 forms from employers
• 1099 forms for freelance, contract, investment, or other income
• K-1 forms from partnerships, S corporations, or other entities
• Mortgage interest statements
• Property tax records
• Investment and brokerage statements
• Records of charitable contributions
• Health savings account information
• Business income and expense records
• Records of estimated tax payments
• Retirement contribution information
• Receipts and documentation for applicable deductions and credits

If you are self-employed or own a business, reviewing your bookkeeping and making sure your income and expenses are properly documented is particularly important.
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The IRS recommends gathering and reviewing tax documents before filing because complete records can help reduce errors and delays.

​2. Look for Missing Tax Forms

If you expected a tax document but haven't received it, don't simply overlook it.

Check your records and contact the employer, financial institution, or other organization that issued the form. You can also review information available through your IRS Individual Online Account.
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Missing information can delay the preparation of your return, so identifying these issues now gives you more time to resolve them before October 15.

​3. Review Your Income and Expenses

Take time to review the information going into your tax return.

If you are a business owner or self-employed, compare your bookkeeping records with your bank and financial statements. Make sure all business income has been accounted for and that deductible business expenses are properly documented.

For individuals, consider whether there were any significant financial changes during 2025, such as:

• Starting or leaving a job
• Starting a business
• Selling investments or property
• Purchasing a home
• Retiring
• Getting married or divorced
• Having a child
• Receiving income from a side business or freelance work

​Major life and financial changes can affect your tax return and may require additional forms or documentation.

​4. Review Potential Deductions and Tax Credits

Before filing, make sure you have considered the deductions and tax credits that may apply to your situation.

Depending on your circumstances, these could include deductions or credits related to:

• Retirement contributions
• Education expenses
• Charitable contributions
• Child and dependent care
• Homeownership
• Health savings accounts
• Business expenses
• Self-employment

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Not every deduction or credit applies to every taxpayer, and eligibility requirements can vary. Proper documentation is important, particularly for expenses that may be subject to additional requirements.

​5. Determine Whether You Owe Taxes

If you haven't already determined your estimated tax liability, now is the time to do so.

Remember that an extension gives you more time to file, but it does not extend the deadline for paying taxes owed. For most taxpayers, taxes for the 2025 tax year were due April 15, 2026, even if an extension was filed.
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If you made an estimated payment when you requested your extension, that payment will be applied toward your tax liability. Your completed return will determine whether you owe additional tax or are entitled to a refund.

​6. Don't Wait Until October 15 to Start

Although October 15 is the extended filing deadline for most individual taxpayers, waiting until the last few days can create unnecessary problems.

If you discover that a document is missing, have questions about a deduction, or need additional information to complete your return, you may not have enough time to resolve the issue before the deadline.
The IRS has specifically encouraged taxpayers who filed extensions to complete their returns as soon as possible rather than waiting until October 15.
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Starting now gives you time to review your return carefully and address potential issues before filing.

​7. Consider How You Will Pay Any Remaining Tax

If you owe additional taxes when your return is completed, make a plan for payment.

The IRS offers several payment options for taxpayers who cannot pay their full balance immediately. In general, paying as much as possible can help reduce additional interest and penalties. Taxpayers who cannot pay their balance in full may also qualify for an IRS payment plan.
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If you are unsure how much you owe or how a payment will affect your overall tax situation, a tax professional can help you evaluate your options.

​8. Make Sure Your Return Is Ready to File

Before submitting your return, review the information carefully.
Check that:

• Your name and Social Security number or tax identification information are correct
• All income has been reported
• Bank account information is correct if you are receiving a refund or making an electronic payment
• Business income and expenses are properly reported
• Deductions and credits are supported by appropriate documentation
• Estimated tax payments have been properly accounted for
• Any required schedules and forms are included

​Electronic filing can help reduce certain common errors and generally allows the IRS to process returns more efficiently.

​9. What If You Can't Finish by October 15?

For most taxpayers who properly requested an extension, October 15, 2026, is the final extended deadline for filing their 2025 federal income tax return.

An extension generally cannot simply be extended again because you need more time. If you are approaching the deadline and your return is not ready, it is important to address the situation promptly rather than assuming another automatic extension is available.

Certain taxpayers, including some individuals affected by federally declared disasters or other special circumstances, may have different deadlines. The IRS maintains current information about special filing and payment relief.
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If you are unsure about your filing deadline or have an unusual tax situation, consult a tax professional.

​October 15 Tax Deadline Checklist

If you filed an extension, use this checklist as you prepare for the October 15 deadline:
☐ Gather all tax documents
☐ Check for missing W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, and other forms
☐ Review your income and expenses
☐ Organize business records, if applicable
☐ Review potential deductions and tax credits
☐ Account for estimated tax payments
☐ Determine whether you owe additional tax
☐ Make a plan for any remaining balance
☐ Review your completed return for errors
☐ File your return before the October 15 deadline

​Need Help Finishing Your Tax Return?

The October 15 deadline can arrive quickly, particularly if your tax return involves a business, investments, multiple income sources, or other complex financial circumstances.

Working with an experienced CPA can help you identify missing information, properly report your income and deductions, and make sure your return is prepared correctly before the deadline.
If you still need to complete your 2025 tax return, now is the time to get started.
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Larry Bradford, CPA has more than 40 years of experience in tax and business valuation matters and can help individuals and businesses navigate complex tax situations. Contact Larry Bradford, CPA today to discuss your tax needs.