Tax Day 2025 will be here before you know it. If you haven't already, go ahead and get all your tax paperwork together and plan for how you're going to both complete and file your taxes -- as well as how you're going to pay what you owe, if applicable. That means saving money for a potential tax bill or remembering to pay your estimated taxes, depending on the type of income you claim.
Since the tax deadline is only a couple weeks out, 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. Plus, there's several regions that have tax extensions due to hurricanes, flooding, fires and other natural disasters. Here are the key dates you need to know to get you through this tax season.
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For more tax tips, see how the new tax brackets might put more money in your paycheck or find out if you live in a state that lowered income taxes.
How soon can I file my 2024 tax return?
The IRS announced the official start date for tax filing season as Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
Note that employers were 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. The IRS offers extensions in the event of a disaster. For instance, those directly impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton will have until May 1, 2025, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Taxpayers impacted by LA County wildfires now have until Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, to file.
Military personnel serving abroad or in a combat zone may also be granted additional time to file. You can find a roundup of exceptions to the April 15 deadline here.
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. 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.