Americans, the 2025 IRS tax season is coming up soon. That means it is time to get all the paperwork you need ready and think about how you will file your return.
The deadline to file your taxes is coming up quickly, even though it seems like a long way off. Making plans now can help you avoid problems as the deadline approaches.
You should also start setting money aside now in case you need to pay bills or make other payments that are coming up. Before we send all of our tax forms to the IRS, we will not know for sure if we need to pay more taxes or not.
To file quickly, it is helpful to know when things are due and what exceptions may apply in your state. Most states follow the federal calendar, but some have their own due dates. It is always a good idea to look at everything that has to do with deadlines because we can learn more from it.
Important Dates for the 2025 Tax Season
When the IRS officially opens the filing period in late January, tax season usually starts. The exact date that the 2025 tax season will begin has not been set yet, but it did start on January 29, 2024. So, even though the IRS has not said the official date yet, we can remember that day to make a day.
When do people have to file? The last day for most people to file their federal income tax return is April 15, 2025. There are some exceptions, though, because not every American is the same.
In the case of Hurricane Helene, for example, if you live in an area that was hit by the storm, you might have until May 1, 2025 to file your return and pay your taxes. Also, if you are in the military and serving overseas, you may get extra time to file your taxes.
Ask for an extra year to file your tax return until October 15, 2025, if you need more time. It is important to remember that getting an extension does not change the fact that you still have to pay some money by the due date.
To avoid late fees, payments must be made by April 15. The payment deadline can still be pushed back, but you will usually have to pay extra fees to do so.
Also, make sure you check the dates for your state. For example, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, and Virginia all have different due dates. Even though it is the middle of the holiday season, each state is different, and we need to pay close attention to everything that has to do with taxes so that we do not get a nasty surprise.
If you are owed money back from the IRS for taxes you paid in 2024, you might get it in about 21 days if you send in your paperwork electronically and nothing goes wrong.
According to federal rules, people who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit will get their refund as of February 27, 2025. This means you will have to wait a little longer to get the money.
