Title: Eight Essential Tax Dates and Deadlines to Remember
Tax season is here, so it's time to ramp up your preparation efforts. Earlier filings mean quicker refunds – or more time to gather funds for any outstanding balance. The IRS will begin accepting returns around mid-January, and while the popular filing deadline for most taxpayers is April 15, there are other important dates to keep in mind for 2025.
January 15: Final Estimated Tax Payment for Q4 2024
Self-employed individuals such as contractors or freelancers, and those who make estimated tax payments, need to submit any income earned during Q4 (Sept. 1–Dec. 31) by this date. Neglecting to make these estimated payments or underpaying could result in penalties. If you file your return and pay your tax bill by January 31, you can avoid the January 15 payment.
January 27: Tax Filing Opens
Mark your calendars – this is the date when the IRS officially starts accepting 2024 tax returns. Several taxpayers can avail of free filing options through IRS Free File or IRS Direct File, which was piloted last year, available in 25 states. Businesses, however, have until January 31 to send out 1099 forms. Make sure you have all necessary documents before filing.
March 17: Business Filing Deadline
This is the filing deadline for businesses taxed as partnerships or S corporations, and the deadline for electing to be treated as an S corp for 2025.
April 15: Individual and Corporate Filing Deadline
April 15 marks Tax Day, and here are the key deadlines falling on this date:
- Individual and Corporate Tax Returns and Payments: Submit your returns and cover any outstanding tax bills to avoid penalties and interest. If you're unable to pay your tax bill by the deadline, investigate IRS payment plans.
- Extension Request: Need more time? Request an extension by Apr. 15, but keep in mind that this extension only applies to filing the return, not the payment of outstanding tax liability.
- First Estimated Tax Payment for Q1: The first estimated tax payment for 2025 also falls on Apr. 15, covering income earned from Jan. to Mar.
- IRA and HSA Contributions: Contribute to your IRA and/or HSA and apply them to the previous tax year (2024) by the filing deadline.
Residents of several disaster-affected states have been granted filing extensions by the IRS, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as well as select areas in Alaska, New Mexico, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Keep an eye on the IRS website for updates on California wildfires.
June 16: Second Estimated Tax Payment
The second estimated tax payment for 2025 income comes due on June 16, covering income earned from Apr. 1 to May 30.
September 15: Third Estimated Tax Payment
After June 15, the third estimated tax payment for 2025 income is due on Sept. 15, covering income earned from Jun. 1 to Aug. 31.
October 15: Extended Filing Deadline
If you extended your return filing due to April 15, your new deadline is Oct. 15.
January 15, 2026: Fourth Estimated Tax Payment
Lastly, make sure you understand the deadlines for your fourth estimated tax payment for 2025 income, which falls on Jan. 15, 2026, covering income earned from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31.
To ensure you're prepared for the potential penalties, make sure you pay your estimated taxes for Q4 2024 by the money-related deadline of January 15, 2025. Additionally, be aware that the tax deadlines for 2025 include a final date for paying taxes due by January 15, 2026, a crucial date for anyone needing to meet their tax obligations for the preceding year.
