Last Chance for Tax Filers Before Deadline

Experts offer tips for procrastinators as April 15 tax deadline approaches

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:05pm

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An extreme close-up of gears, levers, and other heavy industrial banking equipment, conveying the intricate mechanics of the financial system in a conceptual, non-literal way.As the tax deadline approaches, the complex machinery of the financial system continues to churn, underscoring the importance of timely filing and payment.Philadelphia Today

With just days left before the April 15 tax deadline, financial experts say procrastinators still have time to act, but waiting any longer could cost them. Whether you haven't started, can't find your documents, or think you owe money, the advice is the same: do something now to avoid penalties and interest.

Why it matters

Missing the tax deadline can trigger late-filing penalties, failure-to-pay penalties, and daily compounding interest from the IRS, even if the agency ultimately owes the taxpayer a refund. Experts say the IRS is more flexible with those who file on time versus those who disappear after the deadline.

The details

Tax professionals say the biggest mistake is doing nothing. Filing an extension does not delay when taxes are due - payment is still required by April 15. Many people delay filing because they expect to owe taxes, but that assumption is often wrong. The tax system also allows a 3-year window to amend a return and reclaim missed refunds.

  • The April 15 tax deadline is just days away.
  • Taxpayers have until April 15 to claim 2022 tax refunds before the money goes back to the Treasury.

The players

Mark Steber

Chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest mistake is doing nothing.”

— Mark Steber, Chief tax officer

“If you say, 'wow, I didn't take that tip deduction because I did it myself, or my pro didn't take the overtime deduction, because I didn't mention it, or I didn't take the senior deduction, or ... the new child tax credit, or the larger standard deduction,' you have three years to go back and amend that tax return.”

— Mark Steber, Chief tax officer

What’s next

The IRS estimates more than $1 billion in refunds remain unclaimed nationwide, and that money will go back to the Treasury if not claimed by the April 15 deadline.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of filing taxes on time, even if you think you owe money, to avoid penalties and interest. It also reminds taxpayers that they have options, like filing for an extension or amending a return, to reclaim missed deductions and credits.