As tax season 2026 kicks into high gear, millions of Americans across New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut are gearing up to meet the all-important April 15 tax filing deadline. Whether you’re a seasoned filer or a first-timer, it pays to know the rules, the penalties for missing the date, and how to get your refund as quickly as possible. With more than 30% of taxpayers admitting to procrastinating, according to Investment Property Exchange Services, the pressure is on to get returns in before the clock runs out.
Let’s start with the basics: the last day to file both federal and state income tax returns for the 2025 tax year is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This date applies across the board for the IRS and for most states, including New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut, as confirmed by state tax authorities and reported by FOX29, FOX5DC, and FOX5NY. Missing this deadline—unless you’ve filed for an extension—can lead to steep penalties and mounting interest charges.
So what happens if you don’t file or pay on time? According to the IRS, the penalty for failing to file is 5% of the tax due (minus any tax paid on time and available credits) for each month or partial month the return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. If your return is more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty jumps to $525 or 100% of the underpayment, whichever is less. And that’s not all: there’s also a failure-to-pay penalty, assessed at 0.5% of the unpaid taxes per month, which can also add up to 25% of your unpaid balance. If both penalties apply in the same month, the failure-to-file penalty is reduced so that the total isn’t more than 5% per month, according to Fidelity’s tax advice page cited by FOX5NY.
But there’s good news for those who need more time. All three states—New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut—offer extensions to file your state income tax returns. However, there’s a catch: even if you get an extension to file, any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15, 2026, to avoid those pesky penalties and interest. Extensions can be requested electronically or by mail. The IRS recommends using IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension, or submitting Form 4868 by mail. A granted extension pushes the filing deadline to Thursday, October 15, 2026, but again, it doesn’t buy you extra time to pay what you owe.
Let’s break down the specific details for each state:
New Jersey: The New Jersey Division of Taxation confirms the individual income tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026. Residents can file electronically or by mail, but the Division encourages e-filing for faster processing. According to FOX29, refund timing depends on the filing method and whether additional review is required: expect four weeks or more for electronic returns filed after January 26, 2026; at least 12 weeks for mailed paper returns; and 15 weeks or more for returns requiring additional processing or those sent by certified mail. Refunds that include the New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit may take longer due to additional review. You can check your refund status using the state’s “Where Is My Refund” tool or by calling 1-800-323-4400, available 24/7. Refunds are paid either by direct deposit—showing up as "State of N.J. NJSTTAXRFD"—or by paper check from the Property Tax Relief Fund.
New Jersey does allow taxpayers to request an extension, but any taxes owed must be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties. The process is straightforward, and the Division of Taxation provides clear instructions for both electronic and paper filers.
Maryland: Over in Maryland, the Comptroller’s Office requires individual income tax returns for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026) to be submitted by April 15 as well. The state uses the My MARYLAND Tax Connect portal for e-filing, payments, and extension requests. Electronic filing is encouraged, as it generally leads to faster processing and refunds. Paper returns, on the other hand, can take much longer. According to the Comptroller’s Office, taxpayers should expect about four weeks or more for electronic returns, at least 12 weeks for mailed paper returns, and 15 weeks or more if additional review or certifications are required. Refunds may begin processing as early as February, but turnaround times vary depending on the filing method and fraud-prevention steps. Taxpayers can check their refund status through the Comptroller’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool online.
Maryland’s extension process is tied to the Form 502E application, which must be filed by the due date. Just like in New Jersey, any tax owed must still be paid by April 15, even if you get an extension to file.
Connecticut: Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services (DRS) has also set April 15, 2026, as the due date for individual income tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Taxpayers can file electronically through the myconneCT portal or by mail. Electronic filing is recommended, as it usually results in faster refunds. If you need more time, you can request an extension by submitting Form CT-1040 EXT by April 15 and paying any tax you expect to owe. An approved extension gives you until October 15, 2026, to file your return, but does not extend the time to pay taxes owed. The DRS offers refund status tracking through the myconneCT portal, so you can keep tabs on your money after filing.
Connecticut also reminds taxpayers about quarterly estimated income tax payments, with deadlines on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15, to avoid underpayment penalties. This is especially important for freelancers, small business owners, or anyone with income not subject to withholding.
One thing all three states have in common: the earlier you file, especially electronically, the sooner you’re likely to get your refund. Paper returns not only take longer to process but are also more prone to delays if additional review is needed or if the return is sent by certified mail. For those claiming credits like the New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit, be prepared for a potentially longer wait as those claims undergo extra scrutiny.
With rumors swirling online about new stimulus checks, direct IRS deposits, and relief payments, state officials in New Jersey and Maryland have cautioned filers to rely only on official state and federal resources. As both FOX29 and FOX5DC note, there’s no evidence to support claims of fresh stimulus money or tariff dividends for 2026, so don’t count on a windfall unless you see it in your official tax account.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, the IRS and state tax agencies have made it easier than ever to file, pay, and track refunds online. From IRS Free File and e-filing partners to state-specific portals like My MARYLAND Tax Connect and myconneCT, digital tools are streamlining the process. And if you’re running up against the deadline, filing an extension is just a few clicks away—just remember to pay any taxes due by April 15 to avoid the bite of penalties and interest.
As the April 15, 2026, deadline approaches, taxpayers in New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut would do well to file early, pay what they owe, and use online tools to keep track of their returns and refunds. The rules are clear, the penalties for missing the deadline are steep, and the convenience of e-filing means there’s little reason to wait until the last minute.