Clock winding down to file 2025 taxes

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The deadline is looming for you to file state and federal tax returns for 2025. One week from Wednesday, April 15, is also the deadline for those who owe money on their returns to pay up. Missing the deadline could result in penalties and fees for filers who are late and don’t file for an extension.

For further guidance on what to do for those who filed early but still owe money or haven’t yet filed, 12 News spoke with Justin Baxter, financial advisor and owner of Baxter & Associates, in Wichita. A week out from the annual tax deadline, Baxter cautioned that waiting any longer to get your 2025 tax returns in order could lead to an additional hundreds of dollars that you’ll owe.

“Don’t miss the deadline. If you miss the deadline, you’re looking at a 5% fee that is based on the taxes you may owe for any of those months that you are late,” Baxter warned. “That could be a minimum fine, $485, unless you owe less. But definitely don’t want to let that go very long if you do have to file late.”

Baxter also advised that if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to filing your taxes, there are a number of online resources, including commonly-used programs like Turbo Tax to assist through the process. Where there are doubts in the tax-filing process, Baxter advises seeking help from a professional agent.