Failure to File Your Tax Return in 2026 Could Cost You at Least $525

Many taxpayers assume that filing late only means paying interest or a small penalty. Starting in 2026, that assumption could be very expensive.

Under IRS §6651(a), if you fail to file a required tax return more than 60 days after the due date (including extensions), the IRS will impose a minimum failure-to-file penalty.

🔍 What’s the penalty?

For tax returns required to be filed in 2026, the penalty is not less than the lesser of:

• $525, or

• 100% of the tax required to be shown on the return

That means:

• Even if you owe a small amount, the penalty can wipe it out

• If you owe more than $525, the penalty can still be very significant

  
  

📌 Important details to know

• The 60-day clock starts after the filing due date, including approved extensions

• This penalty is in addition to:

  • Failure-to-pay penalties

  • Interest on unpaid taxes

• Filing even without payment is often better than not filing at all.

💡 Why filing on time matters

The IRS penalizes non-filing more harshly than non-payment. If you’re struggling to pay:

• File the return anyway

• Explore payment plans or relief options

• Avoid the automatic minimum penalty altogether

• 
  

✅ The bottom line

If you’re required to file a tax return in 2026, missing the deadline by more than 60 days can cost you at least $525 — even if you barely owe anything.

If you’re unsure whether you need to file, are missing documents, or are behind on prior years, getting help early can save you hundreds (or thousands).

📞 Need help or unsure if you’re required to file?CoreLogix Consulting offers guidance for individuals and small businesses who are behind, missing documents, or unsure how to move forward.

✔ Free consultations available

✔ Virtual and in-person support

📧 rdavis@corelogixconsulting.com

📞 (904) 980-8191

🌐 CoreLogix Consulting, LLC