Just two days left for many Americans in France to meet crucial tax deadline

Americans living in France who requested an extension using Form 4868 must file their 2025 US federal tax return by Thursday this week (October 15).

Most US citizens living abroad must file an annual US tax return, even if they earn no income in the US and also declare their earnings in France.

For the 2025 tax year, most single taxpayers under 65 must file if their gross income reaches $15,750. For married couples filing jointly, the threshold is $31,500 if both spouses are under 65.

These limits rise to $17,750 for single taxpayers aged 65 or over and $34,700 for couples where both spouses are 65 or over.

However, having to file a return does not mean you will owe US tax, as foreign earned income exclusion and foreign tax credits may reduce or eliminate the amount due.

What happens if you miss the deadline?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can charge a late-filing penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax for each month, or part of a month, that a return is late. This can reach a maximum of 25%.

If a return is more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty for returns due in 2026 is $525 or the amount of unpaid tax, whichever is lower.

Although, because the penalty is based on the tax you owe, Americans whose tax credits or exemptions reduce their US tax bill to zero will usually not face a late-filing penalty.

Interest on unpaid tax is separate and starts accruing from April 15 (the usual deadline for tax filing in the US) even if you received an extension to file.

Can you get another extension?

October 15 is the final standard deadline for those who received the usual extension. 

Some Americans living abroad may be able to request an additional two months, until December 15, by sending the IRS a letter explaining why they need more time. However, the request must be sent by October 15, leaving taxpayers with little time to act.

This option is also not available to people who already have an approved extension using Form 2350.

What about foreign bank accounts?

Americans with foreign bank accounts may also have a separate reporting deadline on October 15.

The reporting of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) is required if the combined value of a person's foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any point during 2025.

Missing the FBAR deadline can lead to separate penalties. These may be waived in certain circumstances, including where the taxpayer has reasonable cause and properly reports the accounts.

What should late filers do?

If you miss the deadline, file your tax return as soon as possible, even if you cannot afford to pay the full amount owed. The IRS may allow you to arrange payments over time.

More information is available on the IRS website.