October 15 Tax Deadline: A Short Checklist Before You File
Still haven’t filed your 2025 tax return?
If you received a valid federal filing extension, your individual return is generally due October 15, 2026. California’s automatic extension for individual returns also generally ends that day.
There is still time to get organized—but leave room for questions, corrections, and a careful review.
Ready to finish your return?
Send any missing documents and questions to your tax preparer now. Allow time to review your return, sign the filing authorization, and confirm it was accepted.
Before filing, check these five things:
• Gather all income documents. Include W-2s, 1099s, investment statements, Schedule K-1s, and records of income that did not come with a tax form.
• Confirm your tax payments. Provide records of estimated payments and any payment made when requesting your extension.
• If you are self-employed, organize your business income, expenses, and mileage records. Separate business expenses from personal spending.
• Review your completed return. Check your personal details, dependents, income, and bank account information before signing.
• Confirm filing acceptance. Uploading documents or signing an e-file authorization does not, by itself, mean your return has been filed. Keep your acceptance confirmation.
What if you owe tax?
An extension gave you more time to file. It generally did not move the April 15, 2026 payment deadline. Interest and penalties may apply to unpaid tax.
If you cannot pay the full balance, file on time and explore payment options rather than delaying your return.
Missing a document?
Tell your tax preparer now. Missing information needs to be addressed carefully, not replaced with unsupported estimates.
Special deadlines may apply to eligible disaster-area taxpayers and certain other filers. State rules can also differ.
Need help completing your return?
Contact San Diego Precision Tax Service Inc. to discuss your filing needs and current availability.
Sources: IRS filing-extension guidance; California FTB extension-to-file guidance.
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