Tax Day 2025: Filing Deadline and Other Due Dates
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Whether you're an early bird or enjoy the adrenaline rush of a last-minute race to the finish line, there's a question that unites us all: "When are taxes due this year?"
Here's a cheat sheet for all the important tax deadlines in 2025 — from when to file your federal income tax return to due dates for estimated tax payments.
When are taxes due in 2025?
Tax Day — the deadline for filing a federal tax return — is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Americans living abroad have until June 16, 2025, to file and pay.
The IRS says the date and time in your time zone when your electronic return is transmitted determines whether it is on time. For paper filers, the IRS will consider your return on time if it is properly addressed, has enough postage, and is put in the mail and postmarked by the due date. For e-filers, the deadline is 11:59 p.m. local time.
Some people, such as certain military members and people affected by natural disasters, may be eligible for automatic extensions.
» Compare your filing options: NerdWallet's top picks for tax software
What if I can't make the 2025 tax deadline?
If you know you won't be able to finish your return on time, you can request a six-month tax extension using Form 4868. This moves your filing deadline six months out to October. However, remember that tax extensions move the filing deadline, not the payment deadline.
If you're due a refund, there's no penalty for filing your return late, but consider filing on time anyway to get your money back sooner. And remember that although you might not be hit with a penalty for filing late, you very likely still need to file a return. The IRS has a strict definition of who has to file a tax return based on annual income, among other factors.
If owe the IRS, don't secure an extension in time, and file late, penalties and interest will begin to accrue. The IRS encourages you to pay an estimate of what you owe as soon as possible to limit penalties and interest. If you can't pay your tax bill in full, the agency recommends paying what you can and setting up an installment plan.
» Think you'll need more time to file? How tax extensions work
When are taxes due in October?
If you file an extension by Tax Day, your new filing deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. Getting an extension gives you more time to file, but it doesn't give you more time to pay your taxes. Any tax you owe, or a good estimate of that amount, is still due April 15. Interest and penalties apply to tax bills owed after April 15, and they add up until your balance is paid.
When are state taxes due in 2025?
State income tax deadlines typically mirror the federal tax deadline, but some exceptions exist.
Nine states — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming — do not have a state-level income tax, but certain filers living in Washington or New Hampshire who have substantial capital gains or investing income may still have state tax filing obligations.
If you live in a county that was affected by a natural disaster, the IRS may move your federal tax filing and payment due date — but keep in mind that not all state tax departments extend the same courtesy for state returns. If you have any questions about the due date of your return, make sure to check with your state's revenue department.
» Curious about your state income taxes? Check your state's tax rate here
What are the other 2025 tax deadlines to know?
Early January
Free File opens. The IRS partners with brand-name software companies to provide taxpayers who make below a certain income access to free tax-prep and filing software. The Free File program typically opens and begins holding on to returns around early January.
Late January
Tax filing season begins. The IRS begins to accept and process federal tax returns in late January. Last year, tax season began on Jan. 29. Note that if you apply for certain credits, like the earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit, the agency will not issue your refund until at least mid-February — no matter how early you file.
Direct File opens. The IRS' new, free tax filing program will open for people in participating states. Last tax season, the pilot program allowed roughly 140,000 taxpayers in 12 states to save an estimated $5.6 million in filing costs, according to the Department of the Treasury. In 2025, it will expand service to 24 states and will continue to cover simple tax returns.
January 15
Estimated tax payments due for fourth quarter. This is the last day to pay estimated taxes for income earned Sept. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024. Generally applies to self-employed workers and taxpayers whose withholding does not cover enough of their tax liability. (Learn more about how estimated tax payments work.)
January 31
Form W-2 deadline. Employers must mail or furnish W-2 forms to employees who worked for them in 2024 by this date.
1099 deadlines. The IRS requires that certain information returns, such as the 1099-NEC, 1099-K and 1099-INT, be issued or mailed by Jan. 31. This means, for example, if you earned a certain interest income in 2024 or are a freelancer who made $600 or more in nonemployee earnings, you should expect a document in your inbox or in the mail outlining those earnings around this time. You’ll need to reference it when you file your taxes.
» MORE: Still waiting for your W-2? Here are some steps to take.
February 18
1099 deadlines (continued). Another set of 1099 deadlines: Informational returns like 1099-Bs (for income earned from the sale of certain securities) and certain 1099-MISC forms must be sent to recipients by this date. The IRS has more details about information returns here.
April 15: Tax Day
Federal tax filing deadline. This is the date by which you must file your taxes with the IRS. This is also the deadline to file for a tax extension. Remember, a tax extension gives you more time to submit your return, not pay your taxes. Even if you submit a request for an extension, you must pay your taxes owed by April 15.
HSA and IRA contribution deadline. The last day to make contributions to your health savings account or a Roth/traditional individual retirement account for tax year 2024. The limit for HSA contributions in 2024 is $4,150 for individuals and $8,300 for family coverage. The contribution limit for IRAs in 2024 is $7,000 ($8,000 if you’re 50 or older).
Estimated taxes due for first quarter. Estimated tax payments on income earned during the first quarter of the year (Jan. 1, 2025, through March 31, 2025) are due today.
June 16
Estimated taxes due for second quarter. Estimated tax payments on income earned during the second quarter of the year (April 1, 2025, through May 31, 2025) are due today.
Tax deadline for Americans living abroad. Taxpayers who live or work outside of the U.S. are granted an automatic two-month extension from April to timely file. In 2025, taxes for this group are due by June 16.
September 15
Estimated taxes due for third quarter. Estimated tax payments on income earned during the third quarter of the year (June 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2025) are due today.
October 15
Tax extension deadline. Filing for an extension by April 15 gives you until Oct. 15 to finalize your returns. If you miss this deadline, your return is considered late by the IRS and penalties will begin to pile on.
SEP IRA, simple IRA and solo 401(k) contribution deadline. Those who have established any of the self-employment retirement plans listed above and who timely filed for an extension in April have until Oct. 15 to make a final contribution to these plans for the 2024 tax year.
December 31
401(k) contributions deadline. If you contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement plan like a traditional or Roth 401(k), Dec. 31 is typically the last day to make a qualified contribution. For the 2025 tax year, the most you can contribute is $23,500 ($31,000 if you’re 50 or older).
RMD deadline. If you’re required to take RMDs, you must do so by Dec. 31.
Charitable donations deadline. If you itemize deductions and want to donate to charity to reduce your taxable income, this is the last day to do so for the 2025 tax year.
When will I get my refund?
It depends on how you file. The IRS says most people who file electronically and choose direct deposit get their refund within 21 days. Paper returns can take longer to process — up to four weeks or more in most cases.
After you file, you can check the status of your return on the IRS website.
Tax Day resources
Federal tax rates and brackets: See what federal tax bracket you're in.
How tax returns work: Get up to speed on the basics.
How to fill out a 1040 form: Learn more about tax returns and other schedules.
Learn about free tax filing options: IRS Free File and VITA are just a few options.
Free File: The National Taxpayer Advocate estimates that more than 70% of filers qualify.
401(k): See how these retirement plans can cut your tax bill.
