Tax day is less than two days away. If you’ve put off filing until the last minute, the IRS and tax experts have several tips on extensions, the risk of using artificial intelligence and the scams to be on the lookout for in 2026.
How to file for an extension
Since we are so close to the deadline, if you feel you need more time to file, experts recommend requesting an extension.
However, the IRS reminds taxpayers that “an extension to file is not an extensions to pay taxes.”
If you owe money, you still need to send a payment to cover the balance or face penalties.
“Taxes are still owed by April 15,” said Carl Breedlove, principal tax research analyst at H&R Block.
Experts say the decision to delay should be based on the information you have, or don’t have.
“If you are missing information, you definitely want to file an extension to give you more time to gather that information,” said Yishai Kabaker, partner at Gursey Schneider LLP, according to USA Today. “K-1s from third parties are some of the most common causes of missing information.”
To file for an extension:
- If you have taxes due: Individuals can use IRS Free File at IRS.gov/freefile to request an automatic six-month extension or file Form 4868 before April 15.
- If you owe money: Taxpayers can submit an electronic payment and select Form 4868 or extension as the payment type. The IRS will automatically count this as an extension, and taxpayers won’t need to file a separate Form 4868, according to USA Today.
Special exceptions apply to disaster victims and some living abroad and military members in combat zones who may have additional time to file.
If you fail to file for an extension, penalties accrue immediately. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of the tax owed for each month (or part of a month) the return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. If the return is more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty is $525 or 100% of the tax owed, whichever is less, according to USA Today.
Tax filers at least 60 years old can receive free assistance with Tax Counseling for the Elderly. AARP also offers free tax assistance.
Can’t pay the entire amount you owe?
If you can’t afford to pay your bill in full by April 15, apply for an IRS payment plan, with different options to choose from. The IRS typically notifies applicants of approval almost immediately, according to USA Today.
Beware of AI
While artificial intelligence might be an expert on coding or helping you plan a travel itinerary, general-use AI is not a tax expert.
Platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot are not designed for tax purposes and haven’t been tested for tax compliance and accuracy.
Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, who oversaw the IRS’ early use of AI, spoke with CNN and raised red flags for “do-it-yourself” taxpayers.
“Beware the generic solutions,” Werfel said. “You’re handing over your most sensitive information to a platform where you have very limited understanding or assurances ... in term of how your data will be used.”
Werfel added that AI-assisted returns may be automatically flagged by state or federal processing systems. This could result in a human review, delaying refunds or the closure of tax issues for taxpayers.
Instead of turning to AI, last-minute questions can be directed to the IRS online, by phone or in person.
The IRS’ ‘Dirty Dozen’ scams of 2026
The IRS recently warned that “phone scams continue to evolve, using computer-generated tactics and spoofed caller IDs to appear legitimate.”
“Unfortunately, tax scammers are using AI to sound more realistic, use actual information, deductions, credits or even programs that the IRS offers to taxpayers,” Yviand Hernandez, an IRS spokesperson, told “Good Morning America.”
The 2026 “Dirty Dozen” list of scams include:
- Phishing and smishing: IRS impersonation by email and text.
- AI-enabled phone scams: Robocalls using voice mimicry.
- Fake charities: Scams exploiting donor generosity.
- Social media advice: Misleading or fraudulent tax tips.
- Identity theft: Scammers targeting IRS Online Accounts.
- Abusive capital gains claims: Specifically involving undistributed long-term gains claims.
- Self-employment tax credit: Fraudulent promotions of “bogus” credits.
- Ghost preparers: Tax preparers who refuse to sign returns.
- Noncash charitable contribution schemes: Inflated values for donated goods.
- Overstated withholding schemes: Fabricated wage or withholding data.
- Spear-phishing: Targeted malware campaigns against tax professionals.
- OIC mills: Aggressive or misleading “offer in compromise” marketing.
To protect yourself, the IRS recommends not clicking on unexpected links or opening unexpected attachments, hanging up on suspicious IRS-related calls and to report suspected phishing emails or messages to the IRS. If you think your tax identity has been compromised, visit IRS.gov/idtheft.