Tax deadlines are specific dates set by the government by which individuals and businesses must file their tax returns and pay any taxes owed. In the United States, the most common deadline for filing individual tax returns is April 15 each year. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline may be extended to the next business day. Missing a tax deadline can result in penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. To avoid these consequences, taxpayers can file for an extension, which typically gives them until October 15 to submit their returns. However, an extension does not extend the time to pay any taxes owed by the original deadline.