The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2024 (returns filed in 2025).
Keeping track of tax deadlines is key to avoiding penalties and making sure you get your full tax refund. If you miss important dates, like the deadline to file taxes, you could end up paying more than you should. Whether you’re filing on your own or hiring a professional, it’s important to know when taxes are due for the 2024 tax year. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up all the 2025 tax deadlines you need to know. From estimated tax payments to the last day to file taxes, staying ahead of these dates will help you avoid stress and make the tax season a little smoother.
December 17, 2024
ezTaxReturn Soft Opening
Get a head start on your basic federal tax return at ezTaxReturn.com.
January 3, 2025
Opening Day at ezTaxReturn
You can begin using ezTaxReturn’s tax preparation software to file taxes online. It’s fast, easy, and you’re guaranteed to get the biggest possible tax refund.
January 15, 2025
4th Quarter 2024 Estimated Tax Payments Due
Self-employed individuals and those with income not subject to tax withholding need to make their final estimated tax payment for 2024 by January 15th. Payments can be made online, via the IRS2GO app, or by mail.
January 29, 2025 (Approximately)
IRS Tax Filing Season Begins
The IRS will start accepting and processing 2024 federal tax returns.
January 31, 2025
EITC Awareness Day
Workers who earn low to moderate incomes may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The maximum credit amount is $7,830 for tax year 2024. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return.
Deadline for Employers to Mail Your W-2
Your employers must issue your W-2 by January 31st. If you haven’t received your W-2 by mid-February, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for assistance.
1099 Deadlines
Certain 1099 forms (such as 1099-NEC, 1099-K, and 1099-INT) must be issued by January 31st.
April 1, 2025
First Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Deadline
If you turned 73 in 2024, you must take your first RMD by April 1, 2025.
April 15, 2025
Tax Day
The tax deadline for most Americans is April 15, 2025. Your federal and state tax returns must be e-filed or postmarked by midnight. This is the last day to file taxes without penalty for most taxpayers. Ready to get started? ezTaxReturn will guide you step by step through the entire process.
Last Chance to Get an Extension to File Your Taxes
Need more time? April 15th is the deadline to request a tax extension. Filing Form 4868 with the IRS will give you until October 15th to file your taxes. Keep in mind that an extension only gives you more time to file, not to pay any taxes owed.
Final Day for 2024 IRA Contributions
April 15th is the last day you can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA for 2024. The contribution limit is $7,000 ($8,000 if you’re 50 or older).
Deadline for 2024 HSA Contributions
You also have until April 15th to make your 2024 HSA contribution: up to $4,150 for self-only coverage or $8,300 for family coverage.
First Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payments Due
People who don’t have income taxes withheld from their paychecks throughout the year should make quarterly estimated tax payments. This includes freelancers, self-employed individuals, and landlords. You can use IRS Form 1040-ES to calculate how much you’ll owe for income taxes. Your first quarter 2025 estimated tax payment is due April 15th.
June 16, 2025
Second Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payments Due
If you’re self-employed or have other income without tax withholding, your second quarter 2025 estimated tax payment is due by June 16th.
June 30, 2025
FAFSA Filing Deadline
The deadline to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 school year is June 30th. You must submit your FAFSA before the deadline to be considered for grants, scholarships, federal work-study and federal student loans. ezTaxReturn users can easily download their tax return for FAFSA purposes here.
September 15, 2025
Third Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payments Due
Those who are self-employed or have other income without tax withholding, must make their third quarter 2025 estimated tax payment by September 15th.
October 1, 2025
FAFSA Open Date
You can begin submitting your 2026-2027 FAFSA starting October 1st. Many schools award financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to apply early.
October 15, 2025
Extended Tax Deadline
If you filed for a tax extension, October 15th is the last day to file taxes for the 2024 tax year. With ezTaxReturn, preparing your federal tax return only takes about 30 minutes.
November 1, 2025
Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Marketplace Begins
The open enrollment period for the 2026 health insurance plans starts November 1, 2025.
December 31, 2025
Required Minimum Distribution Deadline
If you are 73 or older, December 31st is your last day to withdraw the RMD from your retirement account.
FSA Use-It-Or-Lose-It Deadline
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), December 31 is often the last day to use the remaining balance or forfeit the cash. Some employers offer a grace period or allow a carryover of up to $660.
January 15, 2026
4th Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payment Due
Make your fourth quarter 2025 estimated tax payment by January 15, 2026, if applicable.
Tax Deadline FAQs
What is the deadline for filing taxes in 2025?
The tax deadline for filing federal returns is April 15, 2025. This is the last day to file taxes unless you have filed for an extension.
When can you file taxes?
You can start filing taxes online with ezTaxReturn on January 2nd, and we’ll submit it to the IRS once they begin accepting returns, usually around January 29th.
What’s the fastest way to file my taxes?
The quickest way to file your taxes is to e-file. With ezTaxReturn, you can complete your tax preparation in as little as 30 minutes. We guarantee 100% accurate results and the biggest possible tax refund.
Can you mail your taxes on the deadline day?
Yes, you can mail your tax return on the tax deadline as long as it is postmarked by midnight on April 15th. Some post offices offer extended hours on Tax Day, so check with your local branch.
How do I get an extension on my taxes?
You can get a tax extension by filing Form 4868 with the IRS. This extends your filing tax deadline until October 15th but does not give you extra time to pay taxes owed.
What happens if you miss the tax deadline but are owed money?
If you’re due a refund, there is no penalty for filing late. However, it’s still a good idea to file your tax return as soon as possible to claim your tax refund.
What happens if I miss the tax deadline and I owe money?
Missing the deadline to file taxes when you owe money results in penalties. You’ll accrue failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, along with daily interest charges, until the balance is paid.
What is the penalty for filing taxes late?
- Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% of your unpaid balance per month, up to a maximum of 25%.
- Failure-to-file penalty: 5% of your unpaid balance per month, up to a maximum of 25%. After 60 days, the minimum penalty is $485 or 100% of the taxes owed.
- Interest: Interest is charged at the federal short-term rate plus 3% and compounds daily.
The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.
