The 2025 tax season begins in a couple of weeks, and there are a few very significant dates and deadlines you should be aware of. Below is when you can start filing your taxes and important dates.
When can you start filing?
The IRS has not announced the opening date for the 2025 tax season but typically it falls in late January. Last year it opened on January 29, so a similar timeline would most likely be expected this year, around January 27 or 29.
Taxpayers can prepare their returns prior to that date, but the electronic submissions will not be accepted until the IRS opens the filing period.
Key tax deadlines
Tax day
The deadline for filing federal income tax returns in 2025 is April 15, 2025. This date does not change unless it is a weekend or holiday in which case it moves to the next business day47. For U.S. citizens abroad the deadline is June 16, 2025.
Estimated tax payments
For the self-employed, or those who do not have tax withheld, estimated tax payments are due quarterly. The final payment for the 2024 tax year is due by January 15, 2025.
Extensions
If you can’t file by April, you can request an automatic extension to file by October 15, 2025. But you should know this is not an extension to pay your tax; if you owe taxes, you still have to pay those by April 15 to avoid penalties.
Why file early?
There are several reasons to file early:
- Fast refunds: The earlier you file, the sooner you get any refund owed.
- Avoiding last-minute stress: Submitting early takes away the deadline stress
- Time for revisions: Filing early means having the opportunity to address problems or errors encountered at the last minute
IRS rule changes in 2025
Below are the recent changes announced by the IRS, which may affect taxpayers in 2025. First, the standard deduction has increased, and some changes are enacted within the tax brackets. The top rate of the seven income tax brackets remains at rates of 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%, with the top rate applying to single filers whose income is more than $626,350.
Taxpayers should also be aware of new thresholds for payments received through third-party processors for the sale of goods and services that may affect reporting requirements.
Prepare for tax season
As you prepare for tax season:
- Get your documents in order: Ensure you receive a complete set of necessary documents, including W-2s and 1099s, by the end of January.
- Consider software options: Use the help feature in the tax software, or consult with a professional that makes it easy to navigate through the complexities.
- Stay informed: Throughout the filing season check back with IRS notices in case of change or updates.
This knowledge of all these deadlines and rules makes the filing in the upcoming seasons of taxes much more manageable to handle and fully compliant with all the requirements involved.
Read more: All change for IRAs and 401(k)s in 2025 – rule changes that could mean more in retirement
Read more: Hello to the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit – Here are the requirements to get up to $1400 in tax rebates for millions of Americans
