Missing an important tax deadline is never fun, and it can lead to penalties, delayed refunds, and a ton of unnecessary stress. Regardless of whether you’re filing as an individual, running a business, or a mix of both, staying organized throughout will make a big difference. Since we’re already halfway through the year, now’s the perfect time to double-check your calendar and stay ahead of key deadlines. Here, we’ll go over some of the most important IRS deadlines for the year, including some early 2026 deadlines to keep in mind.
Individual Income Tax Deadlines for 2025
There are a few different deadlines that you need to be aware of if you’re earning a paycheck. However, not all of these deadlines apply to everyone. Self-employed individuals typically have a few more deadlines within the calendar year, but there are also dates you need to know after you’re retired. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect.
January 27, 2025: Tax season officially begins
The IRS typically begins accepting and processing federal tax returns in late January. While this is when tax season officially begins, you don’t need to file taxes this early, but there are some benefits to doing so.
February 18, 2025: Deadline to file form W-4 to maintain exemption for tax withholding
If you claimed an exemption from federal income tax withholding on your W-4 last year, you must submit a new form to your employer by this date to maintain that status for 2025.
April 15, 2025: Tax Day (and more)
This is the most important date for taxpayers. It’s the deadline for you to file your federal income tax return (unless a tax extension was requested). If you need more time, you can request an extension by filling out and submitting Form 4868. This will give you a six-month extension to file your taxes.
April 15 is also when quarter one estimated tax payments are due (for freelancers, gig workers, investors, and self-employed individuals). It’s also the final day to contribute to your IRA or HSA for the previous tax year (i.e., April 15, 2025, was the final day to make contributions for 2024).
June 16, 2025: Q2 payment
If you make quarterly estimated payments, your Q2 payment is due by this date. Usually, it would be on the 15th, but if that falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are due the next business day.
September 15, 2025: Q3 payment
The third quarterly payment is due on this date.
October 15, 2025: Extended Filing Deadline
This is the final day to file your tax return if you requested an extension in April. Just remember, extensions give you more time to file, but not more time to pay.
December 31, 2025: Deadline for required minimum distributions for retirement accounts
If you’re 73 or older, this is the last day to take your required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts to avoid a hefty penalty.
January 15, 2026 – Q4 payment for 2025 income
This is the fourth and final estimated payment deadline for the 2025 tax year. These quarterly payments repeat each year, so it’s important to keep them marked on your calendar to avoid problems with any tax refunds.
Business Tax Deadlines for 2025
If you’re a business owner, you’ll have additional IRS deadlines in addition to your individual income tax return. Some of the most important dates include:
January 31, 2025: W-2s and 1099s due to recipients and IRS
Employers must:
Distribute W-2 forms to employees
Provide 1099-NEC forms to independent contractors
File these forms with the IRS
Note: Form 1099-NEC is used to report payments of $600 or more to non-employees such as freelancers or vendors.
March 17, 2025: Partnership and S Corp return deadline
If you operate a partnership or S Corporation, your business return is due on this day (typically March 15, but shifted due to the weekend). This includes:
Form 1065 for partnerships
Form 1120-S for S Corporations
April 15, 2025: C Corp returns due
Calendar-year corporations must file Form 1120 by this date to report income, gains, losses, and deductions.
September 15, 2025: Extended business return deadline
If your business filed for an extension back in March or April, this is your final deadline to submit your return to the IRS.
Payroll and Sales Tax Deadlines for Employers
If you manage a team or sell taxable goods and services, you’ll need to stay on top of payroll and sales tax filings. These recurring deadlines can add up quickly, so it’s smart to automate reminders or work with a payroll provider.
Payroll Tax Deposits: Usually due monthly by the 15th
Quarterly Form 941 Filings: Due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31
Sales Tax Filings: Vary by state; some are monthly, some quarterly, and others are annual
Staying compliant helps you avoid fines and keeps your business in good standing with both state and federal agencies.
Early 2026 Deadlines You Can Prepare for Now
All of these deadlines repeat every year. The only difference is if one of the due dates falls on a weekend or a federal holiday. If that occurs, the tax due date shifts to the next business day. However, if you have any questions or are unsure about your state laws or upcoming due dates, it’s essential to speak with a tax professional.
How to Stay on Top of Your Tax Calendar
Staying on top of tax deadlines is more than just good bookkeeping; it’s smart financial planning. And with a few simple strategies, you can take control of your tax calendar and minimize year-end stress. Some of the best ways to make sure that you’re proactive throughout the year include the following:
Set digital reminders for all major tax deadlines on your phone or your calendar.
Digitally organize income, expenses, and deduction documents throughout the year rather than waiting until the last minute.
Schedule quarterly check-ins if you’re self-employed or own a business.
Work with a tax professional regularly throughout the year, not just during filing season.
At Del Real Tax Group, we specialize in personalized, year-round tax planning and preparation designed to help you meet deadlines with confidence and peace of mind.
Whether you need help filing your return, managing estimated tax payments, or understanding how new tax laws impact you or your business, our experienced team is ready to help. We take the guesswork out of tax season, so you can focus on what matters most. Contact us today to learn more about our reliable accounting services.
