As April 15, 2026, draws closer, securing your financial legacy means ensuring all federal tax obligations are precisely met. At Sullivan & Company CPA Inc. in Burlingame, we know that for high-net-worth individuals, families, and fiduciaries, the upcoming tax deadline involves far more than just filing a return. It requires strategic foresight regarding international assets, estimated payments, and wealth preservation.

Critical April 15, 2026 Deadlines to Remember

Beyond filing your 2025 federal tax return or requesting an automatic extension, April 15 is the strict deadline for several critical financial actions:

• Tax Year 2025 Balance-Due Payments: An extension provides more time to file, not more time to pay. If you anticipate owing taxes—perhaps due to a significant valuation event or complex gift transaction—you must estimate and pay that balance by April 15 to avoid late-payment penalties and interest.

• 2025 IRA Contributions: Whether funding a Roth or traditional IRA, your final opportunity to make 2025 contributions closes on April 15, regardless of whether you file an extension.

• 2022 Refund Claims: The three-year statute of limitations for 2022 original or amended returns expires on April 15, 2026. Any claims submitted after this date will be permanently forfeited.

• Form 4868 Filing Extensions: Shifting your filing deadline to October 15 requires submitting an Application for Automatic Extension by April 15. Accurate tax estimation is essential to keep the extension valid and bypass costly penalties.

• Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report (FBAR): For clients with global portfolios, the FBAR is due alongside your federal return if you held $10,000 or more in foreign accounts during 2025. While an automatic extension to October 15 is available, missing the ultimate deadline carries draconian penalties.

• Q1 2026 Estimated Tax Payments: Even if you extend your 2025 return, your first quarterly estimated payment for 2026 is due April 15. We often rely on your 2025 tax data to calculate these payments, underscoring the need for timely information.

Next Steps for Our Clients

If our team is awaiting documents to finalize your filings, please forward them immediately. Tax season demands efficiency, and delaying could prevent us from finalizing your return or calculating accurate estimated vouchers.

If you are experiencing cash flow constraints preventing full payment, contact our office promptly to discuss alternative strategies. Protect your wealth and minimize stress—reach out to Sullivan & Company CPA Inc. today to finalize your 2025 filings or secure your extension.