If you filed for a federal tax extension back in April, the final countdown has officially begun. The summer has flown by, and now the **October 15, 2025, tax filing deadline** is fast approaching. While it’s easy to feel the pressure, don’t panic! This last-minute checklist is designed specifically for seniors on extension. We’ll walk you through the essential documents, deductions, and final steps to get your 2024 tax return filed accurately and on time.
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Crucial Reminder: An Extension to File is NOT an Extension to Pay
This is the most important rule of tax extensions. The Form 4868 you filed gave you an extra six months to submit your paperwork (until October 15), but it did NOT give you an extra six months to pay any tax you owed. If you owed the IRS money for 2024, interest and a late-payment penalty have been accruing since April 15, 2025. The goal now is to file by the October deadline to avoid the much more severe **failure-to-file penalty**.
Your Step-by-Step Last-Minute Filing Checklist
Let’s get organized. Work through these steps methodically to ensure nothing is missed.
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Gather ALL Your Income Documents
This is the foundation of your tax return. You should have received these forms earlier in the year. Find them now:
- Form SSA-1099: Your Social Security Benefit Statement. Shows your total benefits received.
- Form 1099-R: For distributions from pensions, annuities, IRAs, or 401(k)s.
- Form 1099-INT: For interest earned from banks and savings accounts.
- Form 1099-DIV: For dividends earned from stocks and mutual funds.
- Form 1099-B: For proceeds from selling stocks or other securities.
- Form 1099-S: If you sold your home, you may have received this form.
- W-2s or 1099-NECs: If you had any part-time work or self-employment income.
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Collect Deduction and Expense Records
Your goal is to see if your itemized deductions exceed your higher senior standard deduction. Look for records of:
- Medical Expenses: Totals for insurance premiums (including Medicare Part B), doctor co-pays, prescription drugs, and dental/vision costs.
- Charitable Contributions: Receipts from any cash or property donations made in 2024.
- State and Local Taxes (SALT): Records of property taxes and state income taxes paid, up to the $10,000 limit.
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Find Your April Payment Record
When you filed Form 4868 for your extension, you likely made an estimated tax payment. Find the record of that payment (a bank statement or canceled check) as you will need to report it on your Form 1040-SR to get credit for it.
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Choose Your Filing Method
You’re in the final stretch. How will you file?
- Tax Software: Many online services can walk you through filing Form 1040-SR.
- Hire a Professional: A CPA or Enrolled Agent can take the stress off your plate.
- Free Tax Help: Check if local VITA or AARP Tax-Aide sites have any limited, post-season availability. This may be difficult to find at the last minute.
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Review, Sign, and Submit
Before you hit “send” or mail the return, double-check everything: Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and especially your bank account and routing numbers for a direct deposit of any refund. If filing by mail, make sure you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) sign and date the return.
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Facing a Final Hurdle? What to Do If…
…I can’t find a document?
Don’t let one missing form derail you. You can often get a replacement quickly. For an SSA-1099, you can log into your “my Social Security” account online. For investment forms, log into your brokerage or pension administrator’s website or call their customer service.
…I realize I can’t pay what I owe?
This is a critical point: File anyway, even if you can’t pay in full. The failure-to-file penalty is typically 10 times more expensive than the failure-to-pay penalty. File by October 15, pay what you can, and the IRS will send you a bill for the rest. You can then look into setting up an IRS payment plan or other relief options. The worst thing you can do is not file.
…I’m going to miss the October 15 deadline?
There are no further extensions. If you file after October 15, the failure-to-file penalty will begin. This penalty is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that a tax return is late. File as soon as you possibly can to stop this penalty from growing.
Cross the Finish Line with Confidence
The October 15 tax extension deadline doesn’t have to be a source of dread. By using this checklist to get organized and being honest about your situation (especially if you owe), you can navigate the final steps and put the 2024 tax year behind you. The feeling of relief once you’ve filed will be well worth the effort.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Penalties and interest rates can change. Please consult with a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
