
As the April 15 deadline approaches, many older Americans are making a surprising move—they’re choosing to file a tax extension instead of rushing their returns. The Internal Revenue Service still requires most taxpayers to file or request an extension by April 15, 2026. For seniors, especially, tax situations have become more complex due to new deductions, retirement income streams, and healthcare-related paperwork. Instead of risking mistakes, many are opting for more time to get everything right. Here’s everything you need to know.