Can I Roll My Taxes into Next Year?: A Last Resort For Tax Debt

When tax season rolls around and the numbers don’t quite work in your favor, it’s natural to start asking questions like, can I roll my taxes into next year? Maybe you owe more than you expected, or maybe life threw you a financial curveball and you need a little more breathing room. Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand how the IRS handles unpaid taxes and whether it’s actually possible to delay what you owe without getting into trouble.

The answer is a bit more layered than a simple yes or no. There are definitely options that let you postpone payment or manage your tax bill over time, but there are also limits, penalties, and procedural steps you’ll want to know before deciding how to handle your taxes this year.

Let’s break it down so you know what your choices really are.

What It Means to “Roll” Taxes Into Next Year

The phrase “roll your taxes into next year” usually refers to either deferring payment of what you owe or carrying over certain tax elements like deductions, credits, or refunds. But it’s important to note that the IRS doesn’t officially use the phrase “roll over” when it comes to tax payments nor do they allow you to just merge two years’ worth of unpaid taxes into one ball just like that. If you’re thinking about pushing off your tax bill, what you’re really looking at is one of several IRS-approved payment or extension options.

You can’t just decide not to pay and hope it will magically blend into next year’s return. However, you may be able to file for an extension or set up a payment arrangement that gives you extra time.

Filing for an Extension Isn’t the Same as Delaying Payment

This is where things can get a little confusing, especially if you’re already familiar with the concept of a tax extension. When you file for a tax extension, you’re only getting more time to file your tax return, not more time to pagar your taxes. The IRS still expects you to estimate and pay what you owe by the regular tax deadline, which is April 15 in most years, including 2025.

If you don’t pay at least 90 percent of your tax liability by the deadline, even if you’ve filed for an extension, you’ll start racking up penalties and interest. So if you’re thinking, can I roll my taxes into next year by filing an extension?, the answer is no; at least, not without consequences.

Payment Plans and Installment Agreements

If your real concern is cash flow and you need more time to pay, the IRS actually has a solution that fits. You can apply for a short-term or long-term payment plan, depending on how much you owe and how long you think you’ll need.

Short-term plans are generally available if you can pay off the balance in 180 days or less. These don’t require a setup fee, but penalties and interest will still apply until your balance is paid in full.

If you need more than 180 days, you can request a long-term payment plan, which spreads out your payments over time. You can do this online if you owe less than $50,000, including penalties and interest. There is a setup fee, and again, interest keeps ticking up until the debt is resolved. Still, this route is one of the more official and manageable ways to handle a tax bill that you can’t pay all at once.

What Happens If You Just Don’t Pay?

Let’s say you ignore the problem altogether and try to roll your taxes into next year by doing absolutely nothing. In that case, the IRS will start sending notices. If you still don’t respond or pay, things can escalate quickly. Penalties add up, interest keeps growing, and eventually the IRS can place a lien on your property, garnish your wages, or even levy your bank account.

So no, rolling your taxes into next year by simply skipping out isn’t a real option. The IRS doesn’t forget, and they’re one of the few creditors with serious collection power.

Applying for an Offer in Compromise

If you really can’t afford to pay your tax bill, even over time, you might be eligible for an Oferta de compromiso. This is a formal request to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount. The IRS accepts these when they believe they’re unlikely to collect the full debt through normal channels.

It’s not an easy path, to be honest, since there’s a detailed application process, and you’ll need to provide a full financial picture. But if approved, it can offer real relief. It’s worth exploring if your income has dropped, you’ve experienced serious hardship, or your financial outlook isn’t likely to improve anytime soon.

Can You Carry Over Deductions or Refunds?

Now, not all “rolling” has to do with paying taxes. Sometimes you may want to carry over deductions or credits into the next tax year. That part is possible in certain situations.

For example, if your business expenses or charitable contributions exceed the limit for one year, the IRS may allow you to carry the excess into future years. Education credits and capital losses can also carry forward. Refunds, on the other hand, don’t roll forward by default—you have to claim them within three years or they’re gone for good.

So if you’re asking can I roll my taxes into next year in the sense of credits or deductions, you might have more flexibility than you think, depending on your specific situation.

Communication Is Everything

No matter your reason for wanting to delay or spread out your tax responsibilities, one thing is absolutely key: keep the IRS in the loop. Filing your return, even if you can’t pay, is always better than skipping it. And applying for a payment plan or extension puts you in a much better position than ignoring the problem.

Trying to quietly “roll over” a tax bill is more likely to lead to trouble than relief, but if you follow the right procedures, the IRS generally works with you, especially if you’re proactive and honest about your situation.

The Final Word on Rolling Your Taxes Into the Next Year

So, can you roll your taxes into next year? Not exactly in the way you might be hoping, unfortunately. You can’t just defer taxes simply by deciding not to pay nor by asking the IRS pretty please, but there are official options that let you spread out your payments or file later without too much stress. Whether it’s an extension, a payment plan, or a formal settlement request, you’ve got tools to manage a difficult tax year without putting yourself at odds with the IRS.

As always, if you’re unsure about which route is right for you, it’s worth talking to a tax professional. Yes, the rules around taxes can be strict, but with the right guidance, you can surely find a way to manage them that works for your situation.

Can I roll my taxes into next year: FAQ

1. Can I just skip paying my taxes this year and deal with it next year?
Unfortunately, no. The IRS doesn’t allow you to roll over your unpaid taxes into the next year by simply skipping a payment. If you don’t pay by the due date, you’ll start accumulating interest and penalties almost immediately. Over time, these can really add up. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away—in fact, it can make it a lot worse, especially if the IRS takes collection actions like placing a lien on your property or garnishing your wages. If you can’t pay, it’s much better to contact the IRS and request a payment plan.

2. Does filing a tax extension give me more time to pay what I owe?
This is actually a common misconception. A tax extension only gives you more time to file your actual return, not to pay your tax bill. If you owe taxes, you still have to pay by the original deadline, which is April 15 in 2025. If you don’t pay at least most of what you owe by that date, you’ll face late payment penalties and interest. So if you’re asking whether you can delay payment by filing an extension, the answer is no—not without some financial consequences.

3. What happens if I owe taxes but don’t have the money to pay right now?
If you’re in a tough spot financially, the IRS does offer ways to make things more manageable. You can apply for a short-term or long-term payment plan depending on how much you owe. A short-term plan gives you up to 180 days to pay the full amount, and a long-term plan lets you make monthly payments over time. Interest and penalties still apply, but the IRS is generally willing to work with you if you’re proactive. The key is to apply for a plan rather than ignoring the bill and hoping it goes away.

4. Are there any tax items I actually can carry over to next year?
Yes, but it’s not the tax bill itself. Certain tax deductions, credits, and losses can sometimes be carried forward if you aren’t able to use them fully in one tax year. For example, if you have a large charitable contribution that exceeds the annual deduction limit, you might be able to apply the rest in future years. The same goes for business losses or capital losses from investments. These kinds of carryforwards are built into the tax code, but they don’t apply to unpaid taxes or balances you owe.

5. What is an Offer in Compromise, and how does it help if I can’t pay my taxes?
An Offer in Compromise is basically a deal you can make with the IRS to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. It’s meant for people who are truly unable to pay their full tax bill, even through a payment plan. You have to apply and show detailed information about your income, expenses, assets, and overall financial situation. If the IRS believes they’re unlikely to collect the full amount from you, they might accept the offer. It’s not a quick fix and doesn’t apply to everyone, but it can be a lifeline if you’re really struggling financially.

6. Will the IRS work with me if I reach out and explain my situation?
Yes, in most cases the IRS is much more understanding when you reach out to them rather than avoiding the issue. They offer several official ways to get help, from installment agreements to temporary delays in collection if you’re facing serious hardship. The sooner you contact them and let them know what’s going on, the better your chances of finding a manageable solution. Just make sure you keep filing your returns, even if you can’t pay. That shows good faith and can make the entire process a lot smoother.

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