The Social Security Administration and the United States Government have issued an important notice. If you forgot to file your tax return before April 15, you must act as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest.
Pay Close Attention to the SSA Notice from the US: What Happens If You Forgot to File Your Return
If you didn't file your tax return before April 15 and you owed taxes, the IRS will apply penalties. The penalty for not filing the return is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month of delay, up to a maximum of 25%.

Additionally, daily interest accumulates on the amount owed. If you file your return more than 60 days after the deadline, the minimum penalty is $485 or 100% of the unpaid tax, whichever is less.
What Should You Do to Avoid IRS Penalties and Interest?
File your return and pay what you can as soon as possible. Even if you can't pay the full amount, doing so will reduce penalties and interest. The IRS offers payment plans:
- Short-term plan: for debts under $100,000, allows payment within up to 180 days.
- Long-term plan: for debts under $50,000, allows monthly payments for up to 72 months.
- You can apply for these plans online through IRS.gov.
The return is essential to comply with the law and avoid legal issues. Additionally, if you are entitled to a refund, not filing the return means losing that money. Among the IRS's tips for not forgetting to file your return are organizing your documents, gathering your W-2, 1099, and other necessary documents.

Make sure your Social Security number and other data are correct and use free tools. If your income is less than $73,000, you can use IRS Free File and request help if you need it; programs like VITA and TCE offer free assistance.
Who Has More Time to File It?
Some taxpayers have automatic extensions. They are US citizens abroad, who have until June 17 to file, although payments are still due on April 15.
There are also military personnel in combat zones. They have up to 180 days after leaving the zone to file and pay. And people in disaster areas: they may have automatic extensions.