US Tax Filing Deadlines Every Immigrant Should Know

The Main Deadline: April 15

For most immigrants, the federal income tax return is due on April 15. This applies if you are a resident alien (green card holder or Substantial Presence Test passer) or a nonresident alien who received wages subject to withholding (you have a W-2).

If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. For tax year 2025, April 15, 2026 is a Wednesday.

Special Deadline: June 15 for Nonresident Aliens Without Wages

Nonresident aliens who did not have US wages subject to withholding file Form 1040-NR with a deadline of June 15 (not April 15). This applies to individuals who had US-source income such as rental income, dividends, or royalties, but no employer-withheld wages.

Note: interest still accrues on any tax owed from April 15 even if your filing deadline is June 15.

Automatic Extensions

Filing an extension gives you more time to complete your return - not more time to pay.

• Form 4868: file by April 15 to get an automatic extension to October 15
• If you owe taxes, estimate and pay by April 15 to avoid penalties
• US residents living abroad (citizens and resident aliens) get an automatic 2-month extension to June 15 without filing any form; they can request a further extension to October 15 with Form 4868

FBAR Deadline

If you had foreign bank or financial accounts with a combined balance over $10,000 at any point during 2025, you must file FinCEN 114 (FBAR).

• Due: April 15
• Automatic extension: October 15 (no form required)
• Penalty for non-filing: up to $10,000 per violation for non-willful failures; much higher for willful failures

The FBAR is filed electronically through the FinCEN BSA E-Filing System, not with the IRS.

Estimated Tax Payment Deadlines

If you are self-employed, have rental income, or have income without withholding, you must make quarterly estimated tax payments. Missing these can result in an underpayment penalty.

State Tax Deadlines

Most states that have income tax follow the federal April 15 deadline, but there are exceptions. Some states also have different extension rules. You must check your specific state's requirements separately.

Common states with large immigrant populations and their deadlines:

• California: April 15 (automatic extension to October 15)
• New York: April 15 (Form IT-370 for extension)
• Florida: no state income tax
• Texas: no state income tax

Penalties for Late Filing and Late Payment

The IRS charges separate penalties for filing late and paying late.

• Failure-to-file penalty: 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%
• Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%
• Interest: accrues daily on unpaid amounts at the federal short-term rate plus 3%

If you cannot pay in full, still file on time to avoid the larger failure-to-file penalty.

Get Your Personalized Form List

Deadlines vary by visa status, income type, and whether you have foreign accounts or foreign income. Start the free 5-minute diagnostic to see exactly which forms and deadlines apply to your situation.