When most adults think of April 15th, they automatically think of filing their taxes. This is because the deadline for taxes is normally April 15th. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. If the 15th falls on a weekend or on Emancipation Day, which is the day President Lincoln signed the law finally freeing the slaves in Washington D.C., the IRS's deadline is moved to the next business day.How to Avoid Missing the Deadline for TaxesWhile the deadline for taxes is almost the same time each year, not everyone is ready to file their taxes at this time. If you cannot file your taxes by the deadline, you can file Form 4868 to request a six month extension. This means that, if the deadline was April 15th, you will have until October 15th to file. While you might have to pay a penalty, asking for an extension will usually buy you more time.What You Should Do If You Have Missed the DeadlineIf you have missed the deadline for taxes, it is important to file as soon as possible. In some cases, it is possible to get away with not filing your taxes for some time. Some people go several years before the IRS catches up with them. Unfortunately, you cannot simply ignore your taxes. The longer you wait to file, the more money you will eventually owe the IRS. Refusing to pay the IRS can also result in some very negative consequences. To collect what they are owed, the IRS might put a lien on your home or begin seizing your property.Once you do file your taxes, expect to owe more than if you had filed on time. You will owe the IRS penalty fees and up to 25% interest depending on how long you waited to file. If the IRS owes you money, you will not be penalized. You will, however, not be issued a refund if the returns are over three years old.If, after filing your taxes, you are unable to pay what you owe, you can request a payment plan or file an Offer in Compromise. An Offer in Compromise will reduce your tax debt if you can prove that you are reasonably unable to pay the owed amount. If you believe you might qualify for an Offer in Compromise, you might need to consult a tax professional for assistance.