Missed the US Tax Return Deadline? Here’s How to File Late Taxes

Missed the US Tax Return Deadline? Here’s How to File Late Taxes

Every international student, scholar, or exchange visitor in the U.S. is required to file a federal tax return before the tax deadline — April 15, 2025.

If you’re a nonresident alien and didn’t file your taxes on time, don’t panic! You still have options to fix it — and avoid long-term consequences like IRS penalties or visa issues.

Here’s what to do if you missed the tax deadline.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t File Taxes on Time?

Not filing your Form 1040-NR or Form 8843 can lead to:

• IRS fines and interest

• Visa or green card complications

• Delays in future refund claims

But don’t worry — about 30% of taxpayers file late each year. You can still file now and minimize penalties.

🧾 Filing Taxes Late – If You Owe the IRS

If you owe taxes, the sooner you file, the less you’ll pay in penalties.
There are two types of penalties:

1. Failure-to-File Penalty

• 5% of unpaid taxes per month (up to 25%).

• Starts the day after the due date.

• Filing late costs more than paying late — so always file first even if you can’t pay right away.

2. Failure-to-Pay Penalty

• 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month (also capped at 25%).

• Applies if you didn’t pay all owed taxes by the deadline.

3. If Both Apply

• Combined max penalty: 5% per month.

• If you file 60+ days late, you’ll pay $510 or 100% of tax owed — whichever is lower.

💡 Tip: File now and pay what you can. Then contact the IRS to request a payment plan (installment agreement).

💰 Filing Late – If You’re Due a Refund or Owe Nothing

Good news: if you don’t owe tax or are due a refund, there are no late penalties.

However, you still need to file — otherwise, the IRS won’t release your refund.

⏳ You have 3 years from the original due date to claim it.
After that, your refund is forfeited to the U.S. Treasury.

For example:
To claim your 2022 refund, file before April 15, 2025 (or October 14 with an extension).

📄 Filing Form 8843 Late

If you’re a nonresident who didn’t earn U.S. income, you still must file Form 8843.

Missing it can affect your Substantial Presence Test calculation — and potentially your future residency status.

The deadline for Form 8843 is also April 15, so file it as soon as possible if you’ve missed it.

🏛️ Check Your State Tax Deadlines

Not all states follow the federal tax deadline.
Here are exceptions for 2025:

Always check your state’s Department of Revenue website for updates.

🔍 How to Know If You Owe or Get a Refund

When you file, your return will show whether:

• You owe the IRS money (because too little tax was withheld), or

• You’re due a refund (because too much was withheld).

The average refunds in 2024 were:

• Federal refund: $927

• State refund: $462

✅ How to File Your Late Tax Return

With J1 Summer Tax Back, you can easily file your late U.S. nonresident tax return online.

We’ll help you:
✔ Determine your residency status
✔ File your Form 1040-NR or Form 8843 correctly
✔ Maximize your refund
✔ Stay compliant with IRS rules
✔ Access 24/7 live support from tax professionals

Start your late tax filing today — and get back what you’re owed!