2025 Tax Deadline Information for Individual Filers

Table of Contents:

1. When Does the Tax Season Begin?
2. Summary of 2025 Tax Filing Deadlines
3. SPECIAL UPDATE: IRS Postpones 2025 Deadlines for Hurricane Helene
4. Key Tax Filing Deadlines for 2025
5. Key Tax Documents You’ll Need and When to Expect Them
6. When Can You Expect Your Tax Refund?
7. State Tax Deadline Considerations for 2025
8. Avoid Common Tax Filing Pitfalls

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key dates for the 2024 tax season (filing in 2025), including when tax season starts, when to expect key documents like W-2s and 1099s, and when to file your return. Missing deadlines can lead to penalties, interest, or delayed refunds, so being fully prepared is essential. 

When Does the Tax Season Begin?

The IRS typically begins accepting federal tax returns for individual filers in mid-to-late January, marking the official start of tax season. For example, in 2024, the IRS did not announce until January 8 that the tax season would start on January 29. 

For 2025 (tax year 2024), you can expect the IRS to begin accepting returns between January 15 and January 31. This is the earliest date you can file your federal income tax return, though you may be able to start preparing ahead of time when working with a tax advisor or tax filing software.

Summary of 2025 Tax Filing Deadlines

Here’s a quick reference table to help you stay on track during the 2025 tax filing season.

Need help filing your taxes? Meet with a tax advisor from Harness today.

SPECIAL UPDATE: IRS Postpones 2025 Deadlines for Hurricane Helene

The IRS has implemented a May 1, 2025, federal deadline for taxpayers impacted by Hurricane Helene in the entire states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and parts of Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Extended deadlines include the following types of tax filings:

• 2024 federal tax returns (originally due in March and April 2025).
• Quarterly estimated federal tax payments that were due January 16, 2025, and April 15, 2025.
• Quarterly federal payroll and excise tax returns.

These extensions are automatic for qualifying taxpayers. For more details, refer to the IRS webpage.

Key Tax Filing Deadlines for 2025

One of the most important dates to remember is Tax Day, which for the 2024 tax year is April 15, 2025. This is the deadline to submit your federal tax return unless you file for an extension.

If you need more time to file, you can request an extension by filing Form 4868 by April 15, 2025. This will give you until October 15, 2025, to submit your final tax return. However, keep in mind that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. If you owe taxes, you’ll need to pay by April 15 to avoid interest or penalties.

Additionally, January 15, 2025, is the tax deadline for estimated tax payments for the fourth quarter of 2024. This is the deadline for paying estimated taxes on income earned between September 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. This primarily applies to self-employed individuals and those whose tax withholding is insufficient to cover their full tax liability.

Here’s a quick summary of these important tax deadlines:

• IRS begins accepting 2024 tax returns: Likely between January 15 and January 31, 2025
• Pay estimated taxes for the fourth quarter of 2024: January 15, 2025
• Federal tax deadline (Tax Day): April 15, 2025
• Federal tax extension filing deadline (if applicable): October 15, 2025

Key Tax Documents You’ll Need and When to Expect Them

To file your tax return accurately, you’ll need various forms that report your income from different sources. These include W-2s, 1099s, and other forms that reflect income, mortgage interest, and health insurance information.

Here’s when you can expect to receive your various tax forms:

1. W-2 Forms (Employee Income): Employers are required to send out W-2 forms by January 31, 2025. This form shows your annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck.
2. 1099 Forms (Freelancers, Contract Workers, and Other Non-Employee Income): If you did freelance work, received dividends, or earned interest on investments, you’ll receive a 1099 form. Common forms include:
   • 1099-NEC (Non-Employee Compensation): Due on January 31, 2025
   • 1099-DIV (Dividends): Due on January 31, 2025
   • 1099-INT (Interest Income): Due on January 31, 2025
   • 1099-B (Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions): Due on February 17, 2025
   • 1099-S (Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions): Due on February 17, 2025
   • 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Information): Due on February 17, 2025
3. 1098 Forms (Mortgage Interest, Tuition, etc.): If you paid mortgage interest or are claiming deductions for tuition, expect to receive Form 1098 by January 31, 2025. Common forms include:
   • 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement)
   • 1098-E (Student Loan Interest Statement)
   • 1098-T (Tuition Statement)
4. Form 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement): If you purchased health insurance through the marketplace, you’ll need Form 1095-A to report your coverage. This should arrive by January 31, 2025.
5. Schedule K-1: A Schedule K-1 tax form is a document used to report an individual’s share of income, deductions, credits, and other tax items from “pass-through entities” such as partnerships, S corporations, or certain trusts and estates. The IRS requires that Schedule K-1 forms be filed by pass-through entities by March 15th of each year unless an extension is filed.

When Can You Expect Your Tax Refund?

Once you’ve filed your tax return, you’re probably wondering when your refund will arrive. The IRS processes most refunds within 21 days of receiving your e-filed return, and you can always check your refund status online. If you file a paper return, it could take longer.

However, if you’re claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), your refund might be delayed. Due to anti-fraud measures, the IRS typically holds refunds for these credits until mid-to-late-February.

For the fastest refund, consider e-filing and choosing direct deposit. This combination significantly reduces the time it takes to receive your refund compared to paper filing and a mailed check. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically, as it’s faster, more secure, and more efficient than paper filing.

State Tax Deadline Considerations for 2025

State tax authority deadlines often align with the federal April 15 deadline, but each state has its own filing requirements. Be sure to check your state’s specific tax deadlines if you live in a state that requires state income tax filing.

Avoid Common Tax Filing Pitfalls

• Make sure you have all the required tax forms before filing your return. If you forgot to include a W-2, 1099, or other form in your filing, you or your tax advisor will need to file an amendment to your tax return, and potentially file for an extension, delaying any applicable refund.
• You should also avoid waiting until the last minute to file your taxes as it could not also cause stress under a time crunch–it could also make it difficult to find a tax advisor with the availability to complete your return on time. At Harness, we recommend signing your engagement letter by March 15th to ensure your return can be filed on time.

Do you self-file your taxes? These 5 tax mistakes may be costing you money. Instead, talk to a tax advisor today.

By staying organized and keeping track of the important dates for the 2025 tax filing season, you can avoid penalties, reduce stress, and ensure you get your refund as quickly as possible. 

Filing early and using electronic methods is the best way to have a smooth and efficient tax season. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your taxes, consider scheduling a call with a tax professional or using trusted tax preparation software to guide you through the process.

Find Your Next Tax Advisor at Harness

Let a tax advisor from Harness help compile and file tax forms for your household, all while maximizing your state and federal tax returns. Tax professionals on the Harness platform specialize in working with startup employees, business owners, investors, and other professionals with complex tax situations. Annual tax filing with Harness starts at $1,500. Get started with Harness today.

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