Core Points - The federal income tax filing deadline for 2024 is April 15, 2025, which falls on a Tuesday for most taxpayers [2] - Most state income tax deadlines align with the federal deadline, but some states, like Louisiana and Hawaii, have different deadlines [3] Filing Options - Taxpayers can file their returns quickly by gathering necessary paperwork, including W-2s and Form 1099s [4] - The IRS offers free filing options, including the IRS Direct File pilot program for eligible taxpayers in 25 states and IRS Free File for those with an annual taxable income of $84,000 or less [5][6] - Tax software can expedite the filing process, though many options are not free [7] - Government assistance programs like VITA and TCE provide support for low- and moderate-income taxpayers and the elderly [8] Professional Assistance - Consulting a tax professional can help with filing and tax preparation, especially as the deadline approaches [10] Important Considerations - Taxpayers should be aware of eligible tax credits and deductions, the choice between standard deduction and itemizing, and the correct filing status [11][12] - If unable to file by the deadline, taxpayers can request a six-month extension, but this does not extend the payment deadline [13][14] Payment Options - Various payment methods are available for tax bills, including electronic payments through the IRS website and traditional checks [16][18] - The IRS offers repayment plans for those unable to pay their tax bill in full by the deadline [18][27] Penalties for Non-Compliance - Failing to file taxes on time incurs penalties, including a failure to file penalty of 5% per month on unpaid taxes, up to 25%, and a failure to pay penalty of 0.5% per month [20][26] Tax Refund Management - Tax refunds can be expected via direct deposit a few weeks after filing, and financial planning for the refund is advisable [21][22]