---
title: How Much Is the Late Filing Penalty? 2026 Guide | TaxTruce
url: https://taxtruce.com/answers/how-much-is-the-late-filing-penalty
updated: 2026-10-29
---

# How much is the late filing penalty?

Updated October 8, 20261 sourceTaxTruce team[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

It is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month late, up to 25%. If a return due after Dec 31, 2025 is over 60 days late, the minimum is $525 or 100% of the tax, whichever is less.

If both late filing and late payment penalties apply in a month, the late filing one is cut by the late payment amount.

## Sources

1. [IRS: Failure to file penalty](https://www.irs.gov/payments/failure-to-file-penalty)

Run the numbers with our [free tax tools](/tools), like the penalty and payment plan math.