The 2025 IRS tax season for United States citizens is just around the corner, which means it’s time to prepare all the necessary paperwork and plan how you’re going to file your return.
While it may seem like it’s still some time away, the deadline to file your taxes is fast approaching, and preparations now can save you from setbacks as the deadline approaches. Also, it’s a good time to start putting money aside in case you have any bills due or estimated payments that may be necessary. We can never know 100% if we will have to pay more taxes until we complete all the paperwork and send it to the IRS.
One of the keys to efficient filing is to be aware of due dates and exceptions that may apply to your state. While most states follow the federal calendar, some have different deadlines. The more information we have on this, the better, so it’s a good idea to always take a look at everything related to deadlines.
Important Dates for the 2025 Tax Season
Tax season generally begins in late January, when the IRS officially opens the period for filing returns. Although the exact date for the start of the 2025 tax season has not yet been confirmed, in 2024 it began on January 29. In this sense, although the IRS has not announced the official date we can keep in mind that day to make a day.
As for filing dates, the deadline for most individuals to file their federal income tax return is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. However, there are exceptions, since not all Americans are the same. For example, if you live in an area affected by a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Helene, you may have until May 1, 2025 to file your return and pay your taxes. In addition, if you are a military service member overseas, you may also get an extension for filing your taxes.
If you need more time to file your return, you can request an extension until October 15, 2025. It is important to remember that even if you are granted an extension, it does not change the deadline for payment of any amount you owe. Payments must be made by April 15 to avoid late penalties. Still, there are ways to stretch the payment deadline as well, but in most cases it means paying additional fees.
Also, it is critical to check the specific dates for your state, as some states such as Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana and Virginia have different deadlines. No two states are alike and although it is true that we are in the middle of the holiday season, the truth is that we must pay close attention to everything related to taxes so that we do not get an unpleasant surprise.
If you are due a refund with respect to your 2024 IRS tax, you could get your refund in about 21 days if you submit your paperwork electronically, as long as there are no problems with your return. For those who have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the refund will be issued as of February 27, 2025, following federal regulations, so you will have to wait a little longer to have the money available.
