It’s that time again: The 2025 tax season is just under a month away. And that means it’s time to get your tax documents together and make a plan for how you’ll file your taxes. It’s also time to start saving money now for a potential tax bill or paying your estimated taxes.

Since tax season tends to take a back seat after the holidays, it’s important to note key deadlines for filing and paying your taxes. While most states adhere to the federal government’s schedule, some also have their own deadlines. Here are the key dates you need to know to get through this tax season.

Read more: Take these tax steps before the end of 2024 to maximize your tax refund in 2025

How quickly can I file my 2024 tax return?

The IRS has not yet announced the official start date for tax filing season for those who would like to start filing their taxes early, but tax filing typically begins in late January. In 2024, tax season began on Monday, January 29th.

We will update this story with the exact dates when the IRS makes a 2025 announcement.

Also note that employers must send employees their W-2 and 1099 income tax forms by the end of January.

When is the deadline to file a 2024 tax return with the IRS?

The official deadline for filing federal tax returns for most people is Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

However, there are some exceptions. The IRS offers extensions in the event of a disaster. For example, those directly affected by Hurricane Helene have until May 1, 2025 to file various personal and business tax returns and make tax payments. Military members serving overseas or in a combat zone may also be granted additional time to file their records.

By when do you have to apply for a tax extension?

April 15, 2025is also the deadline to file a six-month tax extension with the IRS if you need more time to file your taxes.

Please note that submitting an extension will not change your payment deadline – you will simply receive an extension until Wednesday, October 15th to complete the relevant paperwork. To avoid late penalties, you must still submit all payments owed by April 15th.

States with exemptions from tax filing

Nine states do not impose 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: B. Stock gains and investments, but do not tax income from employment.

Of the 41 states that impose a state income tax, most adhere to the April 15 federal filing deadline. However, there are some exceptions. Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana and Virginia have different deadlines for their 2025 state tax day. There are also regions in several states that have until then May 1, 2025, to file federal tax returns for individuals and businesses due to natural disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Remember, extending the filing deadline does not mean an extension of your tax liabilities. Check with your Treasury Department for the most up-to-date information on important deadlines.

When can I expect my refund?

According to the IRS, taxpayers who file their taxes electronically and are eligible for a refund can expect it within 21 days. If you sign up to receive your refund via direct deposit, you’ll receive your money faster. Please note that if there are problems with your return or if you filed a paper return, it may take four weeks or longer.

If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, you can expect to receive your refund by February 27th. This applies if you file your tax return online, choose the refund via direct deposit and have no problems with your return. By law, the IRS must wait until mid-February to issue these refunds, so you can’t get them any sooner. This timing applies to your entire refund, not just the portion related to the specific credit you claimed on your tax return.

You can use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool. to track your refund.

For more tax tips, see How Much Income Brackets and the Standard Deduction Will Change in 2025.