Tax time is upon us.
The Internal Revenue Service released the official start date for the 2025 tax season, which kicks off Jan. 27.
Whether you’re anticipating a refund or dreading the bill, you’ll want to mark some important dates on your calendar.
First, the deadline for employers to send out W-2 tax documents is Jan. 31. You know, those little sheets of paper showcasing your wages and tax — all the money that’s been taken out of your paycheck.
But you still have a few months to figure out how you’ll file your taxes.
This year, the IRS is giving most taxpayers until April 15, 2025, to submit 2024 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed.
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When Are Taxes Due in 2025?
April 15.
That’s when you need to file your 2024 tax returns by, either through e-file or by postmarking your individual tax return by midnight on that day.
You may have an extension if you’re in a federally declared disaster area.
The IRS anticipates that more than 140 million individual tax returns will be filed by the deadline, according to a news release from the agency.
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What Filing Form Should I Use?
You’ll need to use Form 1040 and pay any taxes you might owe.
In the past, taxpayers could choose from two other forms — 1040EZ and 1040-A, but those forms were phased out in 2019 following an IRS overhaul of 1040.
So, that simplifies things. You no longer need to worry about picking the right tax form. Just file Form 1040 plus any schedules that apply.
If you’re using tax preparation software, the IRS offers tips for finding a trusted tax pro to avoid potential scams and schemes.
If you’re using a software like TurboTax, it will walk you through the entire tax filing process. The software will help you fill out all the fields and suggest whether you should itemize or take the standard deduction. (Most Americans go for the standard deduction).
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An Assist for Tax Season
The IRS aims to make filing your 2024 taxes easier through new and expanded tools.
This includes opening or reopening Taxpayer Assistance Centers and extending some of their hours, more help and reduced wait times on its toll-free line, and a smoother process with its “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
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3 More Tax Deadlines that Land on April 15
Besides filing your individual return, you need to do these things by the April 15 deadline:
1. File an Extension
Need more time to file your taxes? You need to file for an extension by April 15.
You can find out more information about how to request an extension on the IRS’ website.
Reasons for extensions include emergencies, extended vacations, overloaded work schedules and utter unpreparedness.
The extension runs six months. If you opt for this, you’ll need to mark Oct. 15, 2025 on your calendar. That’s your new deadline.
While an extension gives you more time to file your tax return, your tax bill is still due on April 15, 2025.
2. File Your Estimated Taxes
For the self-employed: You’re required to pay estimated taxes every quarter.
You must file these four times a year: The last payment for the 2024 tax year was due on Jan. 15.
The first payment for the 2025 tax year is due April 30, followed by other payments on July 31, Oct. 31 and Jan. 31, 2026.
3. Make Final 2024 IRA Contributions
Got that retirement fund going? April 15 is your last day to make a contribution to your IRA accounts, including traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs and health savings accounts.
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Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The SS.
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