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It’s here again: The 2025 tax season opens in just about a month away. And that means it’s time to start getting your tax paperwork together and making a plan for how you’re going to file your taxes. It’s also time to start saving money for a potential tax bill or to pay your estimated taxes now.
Since tax season tends to sneak up in the haze after the holidays, it’s important to note the major deadlines for filing and paying your taxes. While a majority of states adhere to the federal government’s timetable, some have their own deadlines too. Here are the key dates you need to know to get you through this tax season.
Read more: Take These Tax Steps Before the End of 2024 to Maximize Your Tax Refund in 2025
How soon can I file my 2024 tax return?
The IRS has not yet announced the official start date for tax filing season, for those who like to get an early start on submitting their tax returns, but tax filing usually opens in late January. In 2024, Tax Season started on Monday, Jan. 29.
We will update this story with exact dates when the IRS makes an announcement for 2025.
Also note that employers are required to send employees their W-2 and 1099 income tax forms by the end of January.
When is the deadline for filing a 2024 tax return with the IRS?
The official deadline for most people to file federal tax returns is Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
There are a few exemptions though. The IRS offers extensions in the event of a disaster. For instance, those directly impacted by Hurricane Helene will have until May 1, 2025, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. And military personnel serving abroad or in a combat zone may also be granted additional time to file.
What is the deadline to file for a tax extension?
April 15, 2025, is also the deadline to file a six-month tax extension with the IRS if you need more time to file your taxes.
Note, that filing an extension doesn’t change your payment deadline — it just gives you an extension until Wednesday, Oct. 15, to complete the relevant paperwork. You still have to submit any payments you owe by April 15 to avoid late penalties.
States with tax-filing exceptions
Nine states do not levy an earned income tax. These states are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Among these, New Hampshire and Washington impose taxes on certain types of income, such as stock earnings and investments, but do not tax income earned from employment.
Of the 41 states that do impose state income tax, most adhere to the April 15 federal filing deadline. There are some exceptions, though. Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana and Virginia, have different deadlines for their state Tax Day 2025. There are also regions across several states that have until May 1, 2025, to file federal individual and business tax returns due to natural disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Remember, an extension of time to file is not an extension to pay taxes you owe. Check with your state department of revenue for the most up-to-date information about key deadlines.
When can I expect my refund?
Taxpayers who file electronically and are due a refund can expect it within 21 days, according to the IRS. Enrolling to receive your refund via direct deposit will help you get your money faster. Note that if there is an issue with your return or if you filed a paper return, it may take four weeks or more.
If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, you can expect to get your refund by Feb. 27 — this is if you file your return online, select to get your refund by direct deposit and have no issues with your return. By law, the IRS must wait to issue these refunds until mid-February, so you cannot get it earlier. This timing applies to your entire refund, not just the part that’s related to the specific credit you claimed on your tax return.
You can use the IRS tool Where’s My Refund? to track your refund.
For more tax tips, see how much income brackets and the standard deduction are changing in 2025.