Tax Deadline Extensions For 2025

As the tax season approaches, many taxpayers are already starting to think about their returns, deadlines, and whether they might need more time to file. For most, Tax Day is a fixed date that rolls around every year, but in 2025, there are several important changes and extensions to consider. Whether you’re filing for yourself, your business, or you’re handling taxes for a family member, understanding the tax deadline extension process can help avoid unnecessary stress and penalties.

When Are Taxes Due in 2025?

For most taxpayers, the federal income tax return due date in 2025 will be Tuesday, April 15. However, for some individuals and businesses, the IRS provides extensions, allowing more time to submit their tax returns and payments. If you’re filing electronically, remember that the submission time is determined by the moment your return is transmitted to the IRS in your local time zone. For paper filers, the IRS will accept a return as long as it is postmarked by the due date, so make sure to visit your post office early to avoid delays.

While April 15, 2025, is the general deadline for federal income taxes, certain taxpayers are granted extra time due to extenuating circumstances. If you’re living abroad, for example, you have until June 16, 2025, to submit your tax return, although taxes owed are still due by April 15. Several areas affected by natural disasters also qualify for extended filing deadlines. Residents in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and specific counties in Alaska, New Mexico, and Virginia, for instance, have until May 1, 2025, to file and pay their 2024 taxes.

The exact extension for different counties varies, so it’s important to keep track of specific deadlines in your state or locality. For instance, Los Angeles County residents have until October 15, 2025, to file their taxes. Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee also have extended deadlines until November 3, 2025, for certain counties. If you live in a county affected by these natural disaster extensions, it’s important to also check with your state revenue department for state-level deadline adjustments.

What Happens If You Miss the Tax Deadline?

Missing the tax deadline can result in significant penalties, especially if you owe taxes. If you missed the April 15 deadline, but you did file an extension request before that date, your new filing deadline is October 15, 2025. However, tax extensions only apply to filing and not to payments. Even if you filed for an extension, the IRS still expects that you pay an estimate of the taxes you owe by the regular deadline.

For those who didn’t file for an extension, penalties and interest begin to accrue immediately. This means that if you owe money and didn’t file or pay on time, the longer you wait to pay, the more expensive your tax bill becomes. The IRS encourages taxpayers who can’t pay their entire balance to pay as much as possible and consider setting up an installment payment plan. Failure to file a return when required can also lead to additional penalties, so even if you’re owed a refund, it’s better to file late than not at all.

Filing for an extension and missing the deadline won’t result in penalties if you’re due a refund. But if you anticipate a refund, the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your money back. Regardless of whether you owe or are due a refund, it’s crucial to file your taxes as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

State Tax Deadlines in 2025

State tax deadlines usually follow federal tax deadlines, but there are many exceptions to be aware of. For instance, while most states have tax deadlines in mid-April, several states operate on different timelines. If you live in Hawaii, Delaware, or Iowa, your state taxes are due on April 30, 2025. In contrast, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia residents have an extended deadline until May 1, 2025, just like their federal counterparts.

Some states don’t have a state income tax at all. Residents of Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming typically do not need to worry about state tax returns. However, some exceptions exist for residents in certain states like Washington and New Hampshire, where taxpayers with substantial capital gains or investment income may still be required to file a state tax return.

Make sure to check your specific state’s tax deadline, especially if you’re in a region affected by natural disasters, as some states adjust their due dates to align with federal extensions. Keep in mind that while federal extensions may give you more time to file, your state’s tax authority may have different guidelines, so always verify with your state’s tax office.

Key Tax Deadlines You Should Know

Aside from April 15, 2025, which is the primary tax day, there are other important dates to keep track of during the tax year. If you’re self-employed or if your withholding doesn’t cover enough of your tax liability, you’ll need to make estimated tax payments. These payments are typically due quarterly. The first quarter estimated tax payment for 2025 is due on April 15, and the second quarter estimated payment is due on June 16, 2025.

Another important date to remember is January 10, 2025, when the IRS opens its Free File program for those who qualify. Taxpayers can access free tax-prep and filing software through a partnership between the IRS and major software companies. On January 27, 2025, the IRS officially begins processing federal returns. If you’re claiming credits like the earned income tax credit or child tax credit, your refund might be delayed until March 3, even if you filed early.

Additionally, January 31, 2025, is the deadline for employers to send out W-2 forms to employees. Similarly, the deadline for issuing 1099 forms is also on January 31. These forms are crucial to your filing process and must be included with your return.

If you filed an extension for your 2024 taxes, keep in mind that your new filing deadline is October 15, 2025. This is the last chance to finalize your return for the year, and after this date, you will face penalties for filing late.

How to Avoid Penalties and Ensure You’re on Track

The best way to avoid penalties and ensure you’re on track to meet your tax deadlines is to plan ahead. If you anticipate needing an extension, it’s crucial to file for it on or before April 15. Even if you don’t have your complete return ready by that time, you can buy yourself more time to prepare. However, remember that extensions only apply to filing your return; your taxes owed are still due by the original due date.

If you owe taxes, make an estimate of what you owe and pay it by April 15. If you can’t pay the full amount, try to pay as much as possible to reduce penalties and interest. The IRS offers options for installment plans, so you don’t have to pay everything at once.

If you are due a refund, it’s still important to file on time to get your refund sooner. While there are no penalties for filing late if you’re getting money back, there are still deadlines that could cause you to miss out on your refund. Therefore, don’t delay filing your return, even if you’re anticipating a refund.

Conclusion

Overall, understanding tax deadline extensions for 2025 and staying organized with your filing and payment process can help you avoid penalties and ensure that your taxes are filed correctly and on time. Make sure to regularly check with the IRS and your state’s tax department for updates on any changes to deadlines, and remember, filing early can help reduce the stress and complications associated with tax season.

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Here at Wheeler Corr Tax Solutions, we’re here to make your life easier when it comes to managing your taxes and financial planning. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what truly matters to you. Whether you need help with tax preparation, planning, or any other financial service, our dedicated team is ready to provide the personalized attention and expertise you deserve. Reach out to us today, and let’s work together to achieve the best results for your unique situation!