Tax deadline 2024: When is the IRS accepting tax returns for 2025?

Key takeaways

• Taxes are due for most Americans on April 15, 2025. Early filing is recommended to avoid potential issues and stress, and protect yourself from identify theft.
• Tax season starts when the IRS begins accepting returns in late January, and ends on April 15.
• The IRS will typically issue your refund within 21 days of receiving your e-filed federal tax returns, so long as there are no errors or issues. If you file a paper return, it may take up to eight weeks to get your refund.
• The timelines for getting state refunds vary, but electronic filing usually results in faster refunds compared to paper filing.
• Missing the deadline can result in penalties and interest, but if you file as soon as possible, you can minimize these. If you can’t pay the full amount by tax deadline, you can set up a payment plan with the IRS.
• The documents you’ll need may include W-2s, 1099s, a government-issued ID, last year's tax return, and documentation for deductions and credits.

When are taxes due in 2025?

Taxes are due for most Americans on April 15, 2025.

Contrary to popular belief, this is the last day to file, not the one and only day you can file. In fact, there are many reasons not to wait until the final deadline to file. Filing late puts you at a higher risk for longer wait times for help, added stress, missing documentation, and a surprising tax bill you’re not prepared to pay.

When it comes to filing your tax return, in most cases, the earlier the better. Filing early gives you time to get all your documents in order, prepare yourself to pay what you owe (or figure out what to do with your refund!), and book time with a Tax Pro who will get you every dollar you deserve.

Another big reason to file early is that it can help to protect you from identity theft. CNBC reported that the IRS flagged more than 1 million returns during the 2023 tax season for potential identify theft, amounting to $6.3 billion in associated refunds. The earlier you file, the less opportunity bad actors have to steal your identity and file for you.

When is tax season?

Tax season starts the day the IRS begins accepting returns, usually in late January, and ends on Tax Day, which will be April 15, 2025. This three-month period marks the time when most Americans prepare and file their tax returns, and when those who can’t make the deadline file extensions.

Tax season is also when Americans pay their taxes or set up payment plans with the IRS if they can’t afford to pay the whole amount. The IRS offers many different payment plan options, including short-term payment plans for people paying off their tax debt within 180 days and long-term, monthly installment plans.

IRS refund schedule: When will I get my federal refund? 

The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days of receiving e-filed federal tax returns, assuming there are no errors or issues that require further review. If you file a paper return, on the other hand, the process may take up to eight weeks, or even longer. Whether you file electronically or by mail, the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your refund.

Errors and incomplete information can delay your refund. To avoid delays, make sure that you double-check your return for accuracy before submitting it. If the IRS needs you to provide more information so they can process your return, they will contact you.

Want your refund as fast as possible? File early, file electronically, and choose direct deposit. You can track the status of your refund using Jackson Hewitt’s "Where's my refund?" tool or your MyJH account. You may even get money the same day if you get a tax refund advance loan.

State refund schedule: When will I get my state refund?

The timeline for receiving your state tax refund depends on different factors, including the state you live in and how you file your return. In most cases, if you file your state tax return electronically and opt for direct deposit, you can expect to receive your refund within a few weeks. It typically takes longer to get your state refund when you file by mail.

Each state has its own processing times and refund schedules. Some states provide tools on their websites for tracking the status of your refund.

Just like with federal returns, filing early and avoiding errors can help speed up the processing of your state return and getting your refund.

What happens if I miss the tax deadline? 

If you miss the tax deadline and you owe tax, you may be faced with penalties and fines. But don’t panic. While filing on time is important, there are steps you can take to minimize penalties and interest charges if you file late.

If you owe, file your return as soon as possible to reduce the Failure to File and Failure to Pay penalties, which are typically 5% and 0.5%, respectively, of the unpaid taxes for each month your return and/or payment is late, up to a maximum of 25%. Additionally, you'll accrue interest on any unpaid taxes from the due date until the date you pay in full.

If you can't afford to pay your tax bill in full, file your return anyway and pay as much as you can. You may be able to set up a payment plan with the IRS to pay off the balance over time. If you're due a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late, but it’s still a good idea to file your return to get your money back as soon as possible.

Filing late because of a natural disaster or serious illness? You may qualify for penalty relief if you have a reasonable cause for missing the filing deadline. Also, keep in mind that if you request an extension by April 15, 2025, you'll have until October 15, 2025, to file your return, but any tax you owe is still due by the original April deadline.

Do you already know that you’ll be unable to file by the April 15 deadline? If you file an extension with the IRS by April 15, 2025, you’ll be able to delay filing your return until October 15, 2025. You must, however, estimate and pay any amount due by the April 15 deadline. Do you already know you’ll need to set up a payment plan? Make sure that you do so before April 15, 2025.

What documents do I need to file taxes? 

Standard documents you need to file your tax return

• Wage statements, like your Form W-2 from each employer you worked for and/or Form 1099 for contracted work if you’re self-employed.
• Your government issued ID and Social Security number, as well as Social Security numbers for your spouse and dependents, plus documents showing your dependents’ address.
• Your tax return from last year.

Additional documents you may need to file your return

• Any necessary letters or notices you’ve received from the IRS.
• Records of adjustments to your income, like contributions to your retirement plans, student loan interest payments, and health savings account (HSA) contributions.
• Documentation for deductions, including mortgage interest statement, property tax records, and receipts for charitable donations, education expenses, and medical expenses.
• Documentation of any estimated tax payments you’ve made.
• Rental property documentation, including rental income statements and receipts for repairs and other rental expenses.
• Any tax documents you’ve received, such as 1099-INT, 1099-S, 1099-DIV, 1099-B and/or brokers statement, 1095-A, 1098-T, or 1098-E.

Schedule an appointment with a Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro 

Tax season may seem far away, but the truth is that it’s never too early to start preparing to file. Work with a Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro who can provide you with expert guidance and peace of mind. Jackson Hewitt Tax Pros are knowledgeable, friendly, and dedicated to getting you every dollar you deserve.

Best of all, we’re open all year and ready to help you make a tax plan to maximize your refund. Schedule your appointment today!

About the Author

Mark Steber is Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Officer for Jackson Hewitt. With over 30 years of experience, he oversees tax service delivery, quality assurance and tax law adherence. Mark is Jackson Hewitt’s national spokesperson and liaison to the Internal Revenue Service and other government authorities. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), holds registrations in Alabama and Georgia, and is an expert on consumer income taxes including electronic tax and tax data protection.

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