As a US expat, understanding your tax obligations is critical—especially when it comes to meeting the tax deadline. While the tax system may feel overwhelming from abroad, missing the tax filing deadline doesn’t have to spiral out of control. If you’re wondering what happens if I miss the tax deadline, this guide outlines what you need to know, what penalties may apply, and how to get back on track.
What Happens If I Miss the April 15 Tax Deadline?
For most US taxpayers, including expats, the official tax deadline to file your taxes and pay any income tax owed is April 15. While expats automatically receive a two-month extension to file a tax return—moving their filing deadline to June 16, 2025 (since June 15 falls on a Sunday)—this does not extend the payment deadline. Any tax payments must still be made by April 15 to avoid interest charges and penalties.
It’s important to note that most expats don’t actually owe taxes when they file. Thanks to IRS provisions like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, Foreign Tax Credit, and other tax credits, many of our clients benefit from significant tax relief that often eliminates their balance owing entirely.
However, if you do owe taxes and miss the tax deadline, the Internal Revenue Service may assess both a late filing penalty and a failure-to-pay penalty. The late filing fee typically begins at 5% of your unpaid tax liability per month, up to a maximum of 25%. In addition, the IRS applies interest charges on any unpaid taxes, which compound daily until the tax return is filed and the tax payments are made.
For a deeper breakdown of how late filing penalties, interest charges, and other consequences apply, visit our comprehensive FAQ on late filing penalties.
What Happens If I Miss the June 16 Deadline?
Missing the June 16, 2025 tax filing deadline for expats means you’re now officially filing late, unless you’ve already submitted a valid extension request. At this stage, late filing penalties may begin to apply—but only if you owe taxes. These penalties are calculated based on your unpaid tax liability, so if you don’t owe money, there is no late filing penalty and no failure-to-pay penalty.
That said, filing late can still delay your tax refund, and if you do owe taxes, the combined penalties and interest can add up quickly. The IRS continues to apply interest charges daily on any balance owing, so it’s important to file your taxes and submit any tax payments as soon as possible to avoid penalties and limit additional costs.
Don’t Forget Informational Forms: Penalties Apply Automatically
Even if you don’t owe money, you can still face significant late filing penalties for failing to file required informational forms. These penalties are assessed automatically—no formal demand from the Internal Revenue Service is required.
Common examples include Form 5471 for foreign corporations, Form 3520 and 3520-A for foreign trusts and gifts. The penalties for missing these forms often start at $10,000 per form, per year, and can increase quickly if the non-compliance continues.
These forms are frequently missed by expats who are self-employed, own foreign businesses or trusts, or hold non-US financial accounts. Small business owners and anyone with international ties should review their tax obligations carefully. If you’ve missed any required filings, it’s essential to submit them as soon as possible to avoid penalties and bring your tax return into full compliance.
Extensions for Expats: October 15 and December 15
If you need more time to file your taxes, US expats can request an extension beyond the automatic June 16 filing deadline. By filing Form 4868 by the regular tax deadline of April 15, you can extend your tax filing due date to October 15. Keep in mind, this extension only applies to your tax return—you must still pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
For those who need even more time, an additional 2-month extension is available, extending your filing deadline to December 15. This is not automatic—you must formally request this extension in writing before the October 15 deadline.
Can I Still File After the Deadline?
Yes, but with limits.
If you’re a US expat and you miss the June 16, 2025 tax filing deadline, you cannot request the standard October 15 extension after that date. To benefit from the October 15 extension, you must file Form 4868 by the original June 16 tax deadline.
If they need more time, expats can request an additional extension until December 15. This request must be made in writing before October 15.
It’s important to remember: all tax payments were still due by April 15. These extensions only apply to the filing deadline, not to the payment deadline. If you owe taxes, you’ll continue to incur penalties, interest, and a late filing fee until your tax return is submitted and your balance owing is paid.
Behind for Several Years? The Streamlined Compliance Program Can Help
If you’ve missed multiple tax filing deadlines, the IRS offers a special program for expats called the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures. This allows eligible taxpayers to catch up on their tax filings without facing late filing penalties or file penalties.
To qualify:
- You must certify that your non-compliance was non-willful
- You must file the last 3 years of tax returns
- You must file 6 years of FBARs
- Submit a statement of non-willfulness
This program provides real tax relief and helps expats become fully compliant. For those who have missed the tax deadline repeatedly, it’s often the best solution.
What If You Can’t Pay What You Owe?
Falling behind doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you have an overdue tax bill, the IRS offers several tools to help you settle:
- Payment plan: Break up your tax payments over several months
- Instalment payments: Useful for those with a steady income
- Penalty relief: In some cases, we can help request to waive penalties
- Offer in compromise: Settle for less than your total tax liability
You can also minimize installment interest charges and future late payments by acting quickly.
File As Soon As You Realize You’ve Missed a Deadline
If you’ve missed the tax deadline, your best move is to file your taxes as soon as possible. We can prepare and submit your tax return within two weeks, ensuring you limit exposure to late filing penalties, interest charges, and other consequences.
Whether you’re dealing with previous years, trying to claim a tax refund, or resolving unpaid taxes, we’re here to help you meet your tax obligations in a professional, timely manner.
Final Word: It’s Not Too Late to Fix It
Missing a tax deadline—whether April 15, June 16, or beyond—isn’t the end of the world. But it does require swift, informed action. Ignoring it only leads to more late taxes, larger balance owing, and harsher penalties and interest.
Whether you’re behind on your income tax, forgot to submit a tax return, missed key forms like 5471, or need help navigating a combined tax situation with the Canada Revenue Agency, we can help.
We offer expert tax help for US expats, and we’re ready to get your tax filing up to date—fast.
