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No matter if you are someone who files your tax return as soon as you have all your tax documents or a procrastinator who files at the very last minute, it’s important to be aware of when Tax Day is.

In most years, the IRS federal tax filing deadline — sometimes referred to as Tax Day — is April 15 of the following year. However, in some years, the IRS extends the filing deadline, usually if April 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

What Is Tax Day?

Tax Day is an informal designation for the IRS federal tax filing deadline. Tax Day is usually April 15 of the following year. Most taxpayers are required to file a tax return each year. As part of the tax return, you will reconcile your income tax withholding with the actual amount of tax you owe, based on your income and household situation.

When Are Taxes Due? Tax Deadlines You Need to Know

If you make over a certain amount, you have to file taxes each year. Generally, the filing deadline is April 15 of the following year, however the IRS does sometimes extend the deadline by a day or two. This usually happens when April 15 falls on a Saturday or a Sunday. Make sure to check with the IRS to see when the tax filing deadline is this year.

What If I Can’t Make the 2026 Tax Deadline?

If you can’t file your taxes before the 2026 deadline, you have a couple of options:

•   File for an extension with the IRS. An extension gives you an additional six months to file your taxes without penalties. If you owe money, you’ll need to estimate how much and pay that amount with your extension form. A money tracker can be a helpful tool in planning for your tax payment.

•   File a late return without an extension. If you owe money and file late, you could be charged penalties and/or interest. If you don’t owe taxes — or you expect to get a refund — you may not face additional fees, though it’s still a good idea to file as soon as you can.

When Are Taxes Due?

If you are filing taxes for the first time, you’ll want to make sure that you are aware of the state and federal filing deadlines. In most years, taxes are due by April 15 of the following year.

If you file your tax return or make any payment for taxes owed after the tax filing date, you may be subject to penalties and/or interest. If you’re unsure about what you can and can’t afford — especially with taxes in the mix — a spending tracker app can help.

“It’s also a good idea to check your pay stubs periodically to ensure that the deductions being taken out are accurate and align with your financial goals,” says Brian Walsh, CFP® and Head of Advice & Planning at SoFi. “To make sure the appropriate amount of taxes are being withheld from each paycheck, you may also want to revisit your W-4 annually and make any adjustments as your circumstances change.”

When Are State Taxes Due for 2026?

State taxes are another of the types of taxes that are required for many taxpayers. While some states do not have any income tax, those who live in or earn income in one of the states that levies an income tax may be subject to state income tax.

Generally, state income tax filing deadlines follow the federal tax deadline of April 15, though some states have different deadlines. For example, Iowa’s filing deadline is April 30, and Hawaii’s is April 20.

What Are the Other 2026 Tax Deadlines to Know?

In addition to the main federal tax filing deadline of April 15, here are other tax deadlines to be aware of:

•   January 15, 2026: 4th Quarter 2025 estimated taxes are due

•   February 2, 2026: Employers must send workers W-2 and 1099 forms

•   March 16, 2026: Tax returns are due for some business types. This may apply if you have taxes on investment property or certain other forms of business income.

•   April 15, 2026: 1st Quarter estimated taxes are due

•   June 15, 2026: 2nd Quarter estimated taxes are due

•   September 15, 2026: 3rd Quarter estimated taxes are due

•   October 15, 2026: Deadline to file your tax return if you filed an extension

•   January 15, 2027: 4th Quarter estimated taxes are due

Recommended: What Tax Bracket Am I In?

When Do You Mail in Your Tax Payment If You E-filed?

One of the most common tax filing mistakes can happen if you e-file your tax return and also owe tax. You might think that as long as your return has been filed by the deadline that it doesn’t matter when you mail in your tax payment. However, that is not the case.

The IRS is likely to assess a failure-to-pay penalty as well as interest on the amount owed if you do not pay by the filing deadline (generally April 15).

What Is the Tax Return Due Date for Filing Taxes With Extensions?

As you prepare for tax season, it’s important to understand that all taxpayers are eligible to file a free six-month extension. So the tax return due date for filing taxes with an extension is generally October 15.

It’s also important to understand that while an extension gives you six more months to file your return, it does not remove the requirement to pay any tax you owe by April 15. If you do not make a payment for at least the amount that you eventually owe, the IRS may assess penalties and/or interest on your balance.

Recommended: Your Guide to Tax Season 2026

The Takeaway

Every year, most taxpayers are required to file a tax return with the IRS. This tax return reconciles the amount of income tax paid throughout the previous year with the amount of tax actually owed.

When is Tax Day 2026? In most years, the federal tax filing deadline is April 15, however in some years the IRS adjusts the deadline. Failure to file your tax return or make the necessary payments before the filing deadline may result in penalties and/or interest on the amount due.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Is April 15th the last day for taxes?

Yes, in most years, April 15 is the last day to file your tax return and make your tax payment, if necessary. If you file your taxes or make your tax payment after the filing deadline, you may be subject to penalties and/or interest. However, in some years, the IRS extends the filing deadline, usually if April 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

What is the deadline to file taxes for 2026?

The deadline to file your 2025 taxes is April 15, 2026. This is true regardless of what tax bracket you are in. The deadline to file your 2026 taxes is April 15, 2027.

Can I still file my taxes after the 15th?

While the tax filing deadline is normally April 15, at times it can be extended if it would fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday. In some years, the tax filing deadline is April 18. It is possible to file your taxes after the filing deadline. However, you may be subject to penalties and/or interest on any amount owed. If you are not going to file before the deadline, you should file Form 4868 to get a free six-month extension and also pay any income tax you might owe.

Are taxes due at midnight on the 15th?

Technically, taxes are due at 11:59 pm on the filing deadline date. Any returns or payments that you are mailing must be postmarked before then. If you are e-filing your return or making a payment online, it must be done by 11:59 pm on the filing deadline date. While the federal tax filing deadline is generally April 15 of the following year, the IRS does sometimes extend the deadline to April 16, 17, or 18.

How late can I mail my taxes?

You can mail your taxes at any time. However, if you file after the deadline, you are potentially subject to penalties and/or interest. The latest day to mail your taxes without penalty is usually April 15 of the following year, but in some years the filing deadline may be a day or two later.

What happens if my taxes are postmarked one day late?

If your tax return or payment is postmarked even one day late, you may be subject to penalties. If you owe taxes as part of your tax return, you may also be subject to interest on the amount owed. To avoid potential penalties or interest payments, make sure to postmark your return by 11:59 pm on the filing deadline day.

Photo credit: iStock/Brasil2

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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Each person handles their money in a unique way. Some people are laser-focused on saving and building their nest egg. Others believe that money is there to be spent on fun and satisfying purchases and experiences. Taking this money personality quiz can help you uncover your money style. That, in turn, can be a way to learn about your strengths and weaknesses and manage your cash that much better.

By knowing your money M.O., you can take steps to enhance your financial status. Ready? Read on for the details.

What’s Your Money Personality?

Steady Saver

Did the money personality quiz say you’re a steady saver? That likely means that you are well aware of your monthly budget and how much cash is coming in and going out. In addition, you are probably following the standard financial advice to save at least 10% or 20% of your take-home pay.

You may well be investing that in a 401(k) and getting a company match and putting funds into an IRA, too.

You are the kind who may have multiple bank accounts, with savings for various short- and long-term goals, such as the down payment on a home and your toddler’s future educational needs. Heck, you might even brag a little to friends and family about how much you have socked away.

Overall, you have some very impressive financial habits down pat. Keep up the good work. However, are you missing out on living your best life? There is the possibility that you may be overdoing it and being perhaps a tad too rigid. Does saving for Junior’s college fund mean the family can’t take a vacation for the next 17 years? Check in with yourself, and make sure you aren’t overly focused on your future goals.

Super Spender

To cut to the chase, you love the things that money can buy. Nothing wrong with that! Omakase dinners at that new Japanese restaurant, the perfect new dining table, the latest mobile device, and baby’s first Disney vacay: There are plenty of things that your income can buy that make daily life delightful and memorable.

But when you see money as simply a conduit for experiencing the best here and now, you are likely risking a couple of very important things:

•  You may be incurring debt.

•  You may not be planning for your future.

•  You may be succumbing to lifestyle creep vs. building wealth.

So here are some steps to take:

•  Consider whether you are saving towards the important milestone goals that many people aspire to, such as the down payment on a home, a college fund for your kids, and a healthy retirement account.

Meeting with a financial advisor may be a wise move to get you on track for saving for these aspirations and perhaps learning more about the fine points of investing.

•  Take a look at your budget, or make one if you don’t yet have one. Among the various budgeting methods is the popular 50/30/20 rule, which says to put 50% of your take-home towards needs, 30% to wants, and 20% towards savings and additional debt payments.

•  Check in with your credit card debt. You don’t want your balances and credit utilization ratio to get too high. If you find you are facing challenges, consider a snagging balance transfer credit card offer, using a lower-interest personal loan to pay off credit card debt, or working with a nonprofit credit counseling agency to reduce your load.

The Money Shunner

If the money personality quiz indicates that you’re a money shunner, it may mean you are not comfortable with financial matters so you choose to look the other way. Many people feel stressed when thinking about money, whether because they don’t think they are good with numbers or they don’t have a solid base in personal finances (after all, you probably didn’t sit through a budgeting basics class in high school).

But if you tend to avoid money matters, you could be missing opportunities to reach your personal goals and gain a sense of security.

To gain financial literacy, you can dip into self-education. Your bank may have a library of content, or you can try well-respected books, magazines, newsletters, and podcasts. You might also take a class, whether in person or online.

In addition, meeting with a financial advisor could be helpful.

You may also want to pay more attention to your budget and understand your income and how much you’re spending and saving. These steps can help you make friends with your money and get it to work harder for you.

Recommended: Getting Back on Track After Going Over Budget

The Takeaway

A money personality quiz can reveal what your relationship with your finances is like. It can help identify whether you tend to be focused on saving (perhaps too much so), spend a bit too freely, or don’t pay enough attention to your cash. By tweaking your approach, you could build your financial literacy and wealth. Making sure you have the right advisors and banking partner are other important facets of this.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

What are some common money personality types?

There are different ways to categorize money personalities. You may see ones that use the terms spender, saver, and avoider, among others.

How do I know if my money style is too much about spending?

Typical signs that your money style involves too much spending can be having a large amount of credit card debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and not saving enough (or at all).

If my money style is a saver, isn’t that good?

Saver can be an excellent habit and can help you reach your financial goals and be prepared for whatever comes your way. However, you likely don’t want to go overboard and should enjoy your earnings as well.

Photo credit: iStock/stockfour

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
^Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Personal loans are useful tools because you can use them for just about any purpose. From covering emergency car repairs to paying for home renovations to consolidating high-interest credit card debt, personal loans can be a game-changer for your finances. But, as with any kind of loan, personal loans typically come with fees.

Here, you’ll learn about personal loan options and the impact each can make on your finances so you can decide what suits you best.

Personal Loan Origination Fees, Explained

Personal loan origination fees serve as startup costs for initiating a loan. These are one-time fees that lenders charge to cover costs such as applications and underwriting. These fees often range from 1% to 6% but may go as high as 10%.

Not every personal loan has an origination fee, however. Often, borrowers with an excellent credit score can qualify for personal loans without origination fees (or at least much lower fees).

Some lenders make origination fees optional. At first glance, this might seem like a no-brainer. You might think, “Why should I pay a loan fee if I don’t have to?” But often, lenders may offer you a lower interest rate if you pay an origination fee upfront. This can save you money on your personal loan in the long run.

•  A smart strategy: Look at the loan annual percentage rate (APR), which represents the true cost of the loan. The origination fee and interest rate are both bundled into this rate. This makes it easier to compare loans with and without origination fees to determine which is actually the better deal.

Personal Loan Origination Fee Example

To see how an origination fee affects your loan, here’s an example — one loan with an origination fee and one without.

In this scenario, here’s how your personal loan works:

•  Amount borrowed: $50,000

•  Interest rate: 10%

•  Loan term: 5 years

With an origination fee of 0%, you’d pay a total of $63,741.13 over the next 60 months, which is the term of the loan.

But what if there’s a 5% origination fee? You’ll still pay $63,741.13, but you’ll either pay $2,500 out of pocket upfront or have $2,500 deducted from the loan amount — borrowing only $47,500.

But remember, some lenders may offer you a lower interest rate in exchange for paying an origination fee. In this instance, in the scenario above, the lender may drop the interest rate from 10% to 7%. In that case, your total loan would look like:

•  Amount borrowed: $50,000

•  Interest rate: 7%

•  Loan term: 5 years

The total payments over 60 months would be $59,403.60, or $4,337.53 less by paying the $2,500 origination fee. So that equals a savings of $1,837.53 once you deduct the fee. In this way, you can see why loan fees are not necessarily bad.

Recommended: Personal Loan Terminology

How Are Loan Fees Determined?

Lenders consider a number of factors when calculating origination fees for personal loans, including:

•  Credit score: Unsurprisingly, your credit score plays a big role in determining your origination fee. Lenders see borrowers with strong credit as less of a risk, so fees are generally lower.

•  Debt-to-income ratio: The amount of debt you have compared to the amount of money you make is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This helps lenders determine how capable you are of meeting your monthly loan repayment commitment. The higher your DTI, the larger risk you are perceived to be — and that may be reflected in your origination fees.

•  Cosigner: Even if your credit isn’t in great shape, you can still potentially lower your origination fee (and interest rate) by having a cosigner with stronger credit.

•  Loan details: The amount you’re borrowing and the length of the loan can also impact personal loan origination fees.

How Are Loan Fees Paid?

If you choose a personal loan with an origination fee, you usually pay in one of two ways:

Taken Out of the Funds You Receive

In this scenario, you pay the whole amount of the origination fee at the start of the loan. Rather than dig in your pockets to come up with the cash, it’s usually subtracted from the amount you borrow.

For instance, if you borrow $20,000 and there’s a 5% origination fee, you’d owe $1,000. Lenders will typically instead give you $19,000, because they’ve taken the fee out of the funds they are lending you. However, you’ll have to pay back the full $20,000, plus interest.

Keep this in mind when taking out the loan. If you need the full $20,000, you should actually request a slightly larger loan so that, after the origination fee, you walk away with $20K.

Note: In some instances, a lender may require an out-of-pocket payment for the origination fee.

Rolled Into the Loan

Alternatively, lenders may simply roll the origination fee into the loan. In the example above, you’d receive $20,000 at the start of the loan, but with a 5% origination fee built into the loan, the personal loan principal (the amount you have to pay back) is $21,000.

Recommended: Where to Get a Personal Loan

How to Compare Loan Terms

No matter what you plan to use a personal loan for, it’s wise to comparison-shop carefully. Simply because one loan comes with an origination fee and another one doesn’t, that doesn’t mean you should go with the fee-free option. In fact, in the long run, a personal loan with an origination fee could be cheaper. Here’s how to find the best personal loan offer for you:

1. Shop Around

First and foremost, it’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple lenders. Most lenders allow you to get prequalified online, without impacting your credit score. Having a handful of offers allows you to weigh your options and make an informed decision.

2. Compare APRs

It can be tempting to see that one loan has a high origination fee, one has a moderate fee, and one has no fee at all — and simply choose the loan without the fee. However, origination fees are a part of a loan’s APR, which also includes the interest rate and gives you a better idea of the true cost of the loan.

To truly compare apples to apples, focusing on APR is your best bet.

3. Think About Loan Length

Shorter loan terms tend to have lower interest rates, but because you’re paying off the loan in a shorter amount of time, monthly payments will be higher. Conversely, you may find a lower monthly payment with an extended term, but then you’ll likely be paying more interest over the life of the loan.

It’s a good idea to play around with each loan you’re considering to see how various loan lengths will affect your monthly payments and the total amount you’ll spend over the life of the loan.

Other Types of Loan Fees

Origination fees may be the most common type of personal loan fee we consider, but there are other fees to review in the terms and conditions from a lender before signing on the dotted line. These fees may include:

•  Prepayment penalties: Some lenders charge you for paying off the loan early. Why? When you pay it off early, the lender makes less money from interest, so it’s in their best interest to keep the loan active as long as possible. Many lenders, however, do not charge prepayment penalties, so shop around.

•  Late fees: You have a monthly obligation to make your fixed payment on a personal loan. Just as with credit cards and student loans, you may be charged a late fee if you miss your payment date.

•  Monthly service fee: Some lenders charge a service or payment processing fee, depending on how you pay each month.

The Takeaway

While the thought of paying fees on top of interest when borrowing money can be overwhelming, personal loan origination fees aren’t always a bad thing. In fact, many lenders with origination fees can offer you lower interest rates, meaning you may spend less money in the long run by choosing a personal loan with an origination fee. Compare options carefully to find the best loan for your needs.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

What is a no-fee personal loan?

A no-fee personal loan is typically a personal loan with no origination, prepayment penalty, or late fees. Other variations may exist, depending on the lender.

Do personal loans have fees?

Personal loans often have origination fees, which can range anywhere from 1% to 10% of the loan amount. There may also be applicable prepayment, late, and other fees assessed.

How much would a $10,000 personal loan cost over 5 years?

The amount that a personal loan will cost depends on the principal, the term, and the interest rate. Once you know what interest rate you are likely to qualify for, you can use a personal loan calculator to assess the overall cost.

Photo credit: iStock/milorad kravic

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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