When are taxes due in California? What to know about extensions, refunds
It’s almost Tax Day.
As the deadline approaches, you may be wondering about your options as a California taxpayer.
How do you file for free in California? How can you get an extension? When will you get your refund?
Here’s what you need to know:
When are taxes due? How do I file for an extension?
The deadline to file your 2025 tax return and submit any payment owed is Wednesday, April 15.
If you need more time, you can request a six-month extension — but any taxes owed must still be paid by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
How can I file my taxes for free?
The IRS and California Franchise Tax Board offer no-cost tax services, or you can use an e-filing option through companies including Cash App and FreeTaxUSA.
You’ll have to meet certain requirements to file your federal taxes for free. Some programs allow paid add-on services, such as support from a tax professional.
How do I avoid tax penalties?
According to the California Franchise Tax Board, you can face penalties and fees when you:
- Don’t pay your taxes on time
- Don’t pay enough estimated tax
- Don’t have enough taxes withheld from your paycheck
- Don’t pay electronically when required
- Make a “dishonored payment” such as a bounced check or insufficient funds
The IRS said taxpayers can also face penalties if they fail to prepare and file accurate returns or provide accurate and timely information returns.
How did the One Big, Beautiful Bill change this year’s taxes?
Federal legislation passed in 2025 makes permanent and temporary changes to tax code, some of them taking effect this year.
The One Big, Beautiful Bill makes permanent larger standard deductions, elimination of personal and dependent exemptions, lower tax brackets and elimination of, or limits on, certain itemized deductions.
The 2025 standard deduction rises to $15,750 from $14,600 for single filers, $23,625 from $21,900 for head of household filers, and $31,500 from $29,200 for married filing jointly filers. The deduction will increase with inflation each year.
The law also makes changes to how tips and overtime are taxed, includes higher credits and deductions for children and seniors, and increases higher state and local tax itemized deductions.
What are SALT deductions and how are they changing?
The SALT — or state and local tax — deduction cap was expanded under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act through 2029.
The cap has jumped from $10,000 to $40,000 for married couples filing jointly, and from $5,000 to $20,000 for married couples filing separately, according to the IRS.
That means, homeowners could see refunds about $1,000 more than last year.
How big will my federal tax refund be?
Federal tax refund amounts vary depending on where you live, according to a new study by travel guide website Upgraded Points.
On average, California taxpayers will receive refunds of about $3,848 apiece in 2026, Upgraded Points said. That’s an increase from $3,344 in 2025.
Residents of Marin, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties have seen the largest tax refunds so far in 2026, receiving up to $7,100.
When will I get my tax refund?
If you file your taxes electronically and choose direct deposit, you can usually expect your refund within about 21 days, according to the California Franchise Tax Board and the IRS.
If you file a paper return, you’ll face a longer wait.
California tax refunds take up to three months to show up in your mailbox, while federal refunds arrive four weeks after you file a paper return.
To avoid delays, make sure your return is complete and accurate.
Where’s my refund? Here’s how to check status
To check your state refund status through the California Franchise Tax Board, you’ll need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your ZIP code
- Your exact refund amount
- The numbers from your street address.
You can track your federal refund using the IRS tool Where’s My Refund?
You’ll need your Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID number, your filing status and the exact amount on your return.
Your refund status usually appears about 24 hours after you file your taxes electronically, according to the federal agency.
You can also check your federal refund using the IRS2Go mobile app.
This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 10:37 AM with the headline "When are taxes due in California? What to know about extensions, refunds."
