Tax Filing Deadlines & Requirements You Need to Know
While filing taxes may feel overwhelming, staying ahead of important deadlines can save you time, money, and stress. Missing key dates can lead to costly penalties, but preparing early allows for smarter financial planning and peace of mind.
As the 2025 tax season approaches, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the key deadlines and requirements. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer, self-employed professional, or business owner, being aware of these dates will help you avoid penalties, maximize your refund, and ensure a smoother, hassle-free filing experience.
Key Tax Deadlines for Individuals
Let’s take a look at the important deadlines for individual taxpayers as we enter the 2025 tax season.
January 15, 2025: Final 2024 Estimated Tax Payment
If you're self-employed, freelancing, or earning income without tax withholding (such as investments), you may required to pay estimated taxes quarterly. The final estimated payment for the 2024 tax year is due on January 15, 2025. Missing this deadline could lead to penalties, so make sure to file Form 1040-ES or use online payment methods to pay your taxes on time.
January 31, 2025: W-2 and 1099 Forms Sent Out
Employers must send out W-2 forms to their employees by this date, and independent contractors should receive their 1099-NEC forms. These documents summarize your income from the previous year and are necessary for filing your tax return. If you haven’t received them by early February, follow up with your employer or client to avoid delays.
February 18, 2025: Renew Your Exemption from Withholding
If you claimed an exemption from federal tax withholding in 2024, this is the last day to renew that exemption for 2025. By filing a new Form W-4, you ensure your withholding is correctly adjusted to reflect your current tax situation, especially if you expect to owe little to no federal taxes.
April 1, 2025: Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Deadline
If you turned 73 in 2024, the IRS requires that you take your first Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs by this date. Failure to withdraw the correct amount can result in substantial penalties, so consult your financial advisor or retirement plan provider for guidance.
April 15, 2025: Federal Income Tax Day
April 15 is the final day to file your federal income tax return for 2024 and pay any remaining taxes. Filing electronically through tax software is the quickest way to submit your return and reduce errors. If you need more time, you can request an extension until October 15 by filing Form 4868, but remember that taxes owed still need to be paid by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties.
April 15, 2025: First Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payment
For those required to pay estimated taxes, the first payment for the 2025 tax year is also due on April 15. If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes and don’t have enough withheld from your paycheck, use Form 1040-ES to calculate and submit your quarterly payment.
June 16, 2025: Second Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payment
June 16 is the deadline for the second quarterly estimated payment for 2025. Keeping up with estimated tax payments ensures you're not hit with a larger tax bill at the end of the year.
September 15, 2025: Third Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payment
As the year progresses, September 15 is the next deadline for estimated tax payments. Staying current with these payments prevents you from being hit with underpayment penalties.
October 15, 2025: Extended Tax Return Deadline
If you requested an extension in April, October 15 is your last chance to file your 2024 tax return. Even though the filing deadline has been extended, any taxes owed were still due by April 15, so filing by this date helps you avoid additional late fees.
December 31, 2025: Year-End Financial Moves
December 31 is the last day to take many actions that could affect your 2025 taxes, like contributing to 401(k) accounts or making charitable donations. These steps could reduce your taxable income and set you up for success in the new year.
January 15, 2026: Final 2025 Estimated Tax Payment
The last estimated tax payment for the 2025 tax year is due on January 15, 2026. This is your final payment before filing your 2025 tax return in the new year.
Key Tax Deadlines for Businesses
Businesses also have important tax deadlines to remember throughout the year:
January 15, 2025: Fourth Quarter 2024 Estimated Tax Payment
Just like individuals, businesses making estimated tax payments must settle their fourth-quarter obligations for 2024 by January 15. Use Form 1120-W to calculate your tax liability and avoid underpayment penalties.
January 31, 2025: Issue W-2 and 1099 Forms
By this date, businesses must send out W-2 forms to employees and 1099 forms to independent contractors. Failure to send these forms on time can result in penalties, so it’s crucial to get them out early.
March 17, 2025: Partnership and S Corporation Tax Filing Deadline
Businesses structured as partnerships or S corporations must file their 2024 tax returns by March 17. Use Form 1065 for partnerships and Form 1120S for S corporations, and make sure you include Schedule K-1 to report the share of income for each partner or shareholder.
April 15, 2025: C Corporation Tax Filing Deadline
C corporations that operate on a calendar year must file Form 1120 by April 15. If your corporation follows a fiscal year, the deadline falls on the 15th day of the fourth month after your fiscal year ends.
April 15, 2025: First Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payment
Corporations must also make their first estimated tax payment for 2025 by April 15. Staying on top of these payments ensures you’re in good standing with the IRS and prevents penalties for underpayment.
June 16, 2025: Second Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payment
The second quarterly estimated tax payment for 2025 is due on June 16. Be sure to keep accurate financial records and adjust your payments as necessary to avoid surprises at year-end.
September 15, 2025: Third Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payment
By September 15, businesses should make their third estimated tax payment for the year. Ensure you’re up-to-date with your payments to avoid penalties for underpayment.
September 15, 2025: Extended Partnership and S Corporation Filing Deadline
If your business requested an extension, this is the final deadline to file your 2024 partnership or S corporation tax return. Use Form 7004 to file for an extension and avoid penalties.
October 15, 2025: Extended C Corporation Filing Deadline
For C corporations that filed for an extension, October 15 is the last day to submit your 2024 tax return. It’s essential to file on time to avoid penalties, but remember, any taxes owed were still due by April 15.
December 31, 2025: Year-End Tax Moves
December 31 is the last day for businesses to make tax-saving moves for 2025, such as contributing to retirement plans or investing in new equipment. These actions can help reduce your taxable income and give your business a stronger financial position for the next year.
Get answers to all your tax questions
14-day free trial
No credit card required
Cancel anytime
Do You Need to Make Estimated Payments?
Estimated tax payments are required if you’re self-employed, run a business, or earn income without tax withholding, such as from dividends or interest. Generally, if you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes after applying withholdings and credits, you'll need to make estimated payments.
How to Calculate Estimated Taxes
- Follow IRS Guidelines: Use Form 1040-ES for individuals or Form 1120-W for corporations to estimate your taxes.
- Safe Harbor Rule: To avoid penalties, make sure you’ve paid at least 90% of your current year’s taxes or 100% of last year’s liability (110% for higher earners).
What If You Can’t Meet a Deadline?
Sometimes, life gets in the way, and meeting a tax deadline isn’t possible. Here’s what you can do if you need more time or can’t pay your full tax bill.
Filing for an Extension
You can request a six-month extension to file your tax return, but not to pay your taxes. For individuals, use Form 4868, and for businesses, use Form 7004. Remember, even with an extension, you’ll still need to pay any taxes owed by the original deadline to avoid penalties.
Setting Up a Payment Plan
If you can’t pay the full amount, filing on time and paying as much as you can will minimize penalties. You can set up an Installment Agreement with the IRS, allowing you to make smaller, manageable payments over time.
Some Tips for a Stress-Free Tax Season
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful if you take a few simple steps:
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute—begin gathering your tax documents as soon as possible.
- Stay Organized: Keep all your tax forms and records in one place, whether electronically or in a folder, to avoid scrambling.
- Consider E-Filing: Filing electronically reduces errors and gets you your refund faster.
- Consult a Professional: If your tax situation is complicated, consider using tax software or hiring a tax professional to ensure accuracy.
- Check for Changes: Use a tax research tool to stay up-to-date on any tax law changes that might affect your deductions or credits.
Special Circumstances
Certain situations can offer extra time or different considerations when it comes to tax deadlines:
- Natural Disasters: If you're impacted by a federally declared disaster, the IRS may extend your deadlines.
- Military Service: Active-duty military members in combat zones receive automatic extensions for filing and paying taxes.
- Living Abroad: U.S. citizens living overseas get an automatic extension to June 15, although taxes owed are still due by April 15.
Amending Your Tax Return
If you realize you’ve made a mistake after filing your return, you can amend it.
When to Amend
- You underreported income or missed deductions.
- You need to correct your filing status or claim a credit you overlooked.
How to Amend
Use Form 1040-X to amend your return and include any relevant supporting documents. You have three years from the original filing date or two years from the date you paid your tax, whichever is later, to file an amendment.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes to make your tax season smoother:
- Double-Check Your Math: Calculation errors can delay your refund or lead to penalties.
- Verify Personal Information: Make sure all personal details, like your Social Security number, are correct.
- Don’t Overlook Deductions or Credits: Research available tax breaks that might apply to your situation.
- File on Time: Even if you can’t pay the full amount, filing on time reduces penalties.
- Keep Records: Maintain organized documentation, including previous returns, receipts, and tax forms.
.webp)
