By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey residents are waking up today to an important financial deadline, Tax Day, April 15, 2026, the final day to file both federal and state income tax returns for the 2025 tax year.
For those mailing returns, there’s one critical detail that often gets overlooked: your return must be postmarked by midnight tonight to be considered on time.
State officials stress that filing on time is not just about avoiding paperwork issues, it’s about avoiding penalties.
And one of the biggest misconceptions every year is this: filing for an extension does not give you more time to pay what you owe.
In New Jersey, taxpayers must pay at least 80% of their total tax liability by April 15. If you don’t, your extension can be denied and penalties and interest may begin to add up quickly.
This is especially important because many residents wait until the last minute to file, a trend often called “taxcrastination.”
For some, it’s simply putting it off. For others, it’s strategic—particularly if they owe money and want to hold onto it as long as possible.
But waiting carries risk.
Even if you plan to file later, failing to make a payment today can lead to added costs over time.
New Jersey continues to follow the federal filing deadline, but it enforces its own rules on payments and interest, making it critical for residents to understand their obligations. 
At the same time, relief programs like ANCHOR are helping offset costs for some taxpayers, but they do not change filing or payment deadlines.