Tax Day 2025: Key Dates to Maximize Your Filing Strategy!

The countdown is on: The 2025 tax season kicks off in just about a month! It’s time to roll up your sleeves, gather your tax documents, and strategize how you’ll tackle this year’s filing. Don’t forget to start saving for that potential tax bill or even prepaying your estimated taxes.

As tax season approaches faster than you think, it’s crucial to be aware of the key deadlines for filing and payment. While most states follow the federal timeline, a few have their own specific dates. Here’s your essential guide to the must-know deadlines for this tax season.

Discover More: Actionable Steps to Maximize Your Tax Refund Before 2025

When can I file my 2024 tax return?

The IRS has yet to announce the official start date for tax filing season, but typically, you can expect to start filing in late January. Last year, tax season officially kicked off on January 29, 2024.

We’ll keep you updated with the exact dates as soon as the IRS shares them for 2025.

Remember, your employer is required to provide you with your W-2 and 1099 tax forms by the end of January.

What’s the deadline for filing my 2024 tax return with the IRS?

The deadline for most folks to file their federal tax returns is Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

However, there are exceptions! The IRS allows extensions in cases of disasters. For instance, victims of Hurricane Helene have until May 1, 2025, to file various individual and business tax returns and to make tax payments. Military personnel stationed abroad or in combat zones might also receive additional time to file.

What’s the deadline to file for a tax extension?

April 15, 2025 is also the deadline to request a six-month tax extension with the IRS if you find yourself needing a bit more time.

Keep in mind, filing an extension won’t change when you need to make your payment; you still need to submit any owed payments by April 15 to dodge late fees.

States with Tax Filing Exceptions

Interestingly, nine states do not impose an earned income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Although New Hampshire and Washington do tax certain income types, like stock earnings and investments, they don’t tax wages earned from employment.

Among the 41 states with income tax, most align with the April 15 federal deadline. However, states like Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, and Virginia have varying deadlines for Tax Day 2025. Certain regions affected by natural disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton, have extended deadlines until May 1, 2025.

Remember, an extension to file does not mean an extension to pay your taxes. Check in with your state tax agency for the latest information on key deadlines.

When can I expect my tax refund?

If you file electronically and are expecting a refund, you can usually expect it within 21 days, as per IRS guidelines. Signing up for direct deposit can speed up the process even more. Just remember, if there are any hiccups with your return or if you opted for a paper return, it could take four weeks or longer.

If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, expect to see your refund by February 27—provided you’ve filed online, chosen direct deposit, and had no issues with your return. The IRS is required by law to wait until mid-February to issue these refunds, which applies to the whole refund amount, not just the portion related to those specific credits.

Use the IRS tool Where’s My Refund? to track the status of your refund.

For even more tax tips, check out how the 2025 tax brackets and standard deduction are changing.