What Happens If You File Your Taxes Late in Texas?

02/21/2026

Missed the tax deadline? You’re not alone. But filing late—even in a no-income-tax state like Texas—still carries real consequences at the federal level. Whether you’re in Rockwall, Fate, or Nevada, TX, here’s what you need to know about late tax returns and how a CPA can help you recover quickly. Move to this post next.

The IRS Penalties for Late Filing

If you owe taxes and file late, the IRS applies:

  • A failure-to-file penalty: 5% of the unpaid tax per month (up to 25%)
  • A failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% of unpaid tax per month
  • Interest on both tax owed and penalties

Even if you can’t pay in full, filing a return on time avoids the largest penalty.

What If You’re Due a Refund?

There’s good news: if you’re owed a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late. But you only have three years to claim it. After that, the money is forfeited to the U.S. Treasury. We help Rockwall residents file back taxes to recover old refunds.

Can You File for an Extension?

Yes, but extensions only delay the filing—not the payment. If you missed both, we can still help. Brozewicz CPA helps file Form 4868 properly, estimate your tax liability, and avoid further penalties.

Special Situations

We work with individuals in Rowlett and Royse City who:

  • Missed the deadline due to illness or life events
  • Moved during tax season and lost track of documents
  • Received IRS notices or late penalties

We review your IRS account, prepare a compliant return, and submit penalty abatement requests when applicable.

The Value of Working With a Local CPA

Late filers often feel overwhelmed, especially after multiple years of missed filings. Brozewicz CPA offers a judgment-free environment and expert support. We work quickly and thoroughly to resolve tax issues before they escalate.

For a full overview of how we assist late filers and reduce IRS risk, visit our page on Rockwall CPA tax filing assistance.

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