2025 Tax Season FAQs: Deadlines, Refunds & Extensions

Let's face it: tax season usually isn't the highlight of anyone's year. Between gathering documents, deciphering new rules, and watching deadlines approach, it can feel like a maze of paperwork. But at SD Mayer & Associates, we believe that understanding the process is the first step toward financial peace of mind.

The IRS is officially opening the filing season for 2025 individual income tax returns on January 26. Interestingly, this is roughly the same start date as last year, despite the agency operating with significantly reduced staffing levels. Whether you are an early bird looking to file immediately or someone who prefers to double-check every detail before submitting, knowing the key dates and requirements is essential.

We’ve compiled the most frequent questions we receive to help you navigate this tax season with confidence.

When is my 2025 tax return due?

For the vast majority of individual taxpayers, the magic date to circle on your calendar is April 15. This is the deadline to either file your 2025 return or request an extension.

There are a few exceptions. If you are living outside the United States and Puerto Rico—or serving in the military outside those two locations—you have a bit more breathing room. Your deadline extends to June 15.

When should I receive my W-2s and 1099s?

You can’t file what you don’t have. To prepare an accurate return, you need all your Forms W-2 and 1099 in hand.

Typically, employers and businesses must furnish these forms by January 31. However, because that date falls on a Saturday this year, the deadline moves to the next business day: Monday, February 2.

This deadline applies to:

• Employers issuing 2025 W-2s to employees.
• Businesses issuing Forms 1099 for interest, dividends, or reportable miscellaneous income (including payments to independent contractors).

If February 2 comes and goes without your forms arriving, don’t panic immediately. If the forms were mailed rather than sent digitally, the February 2 deadline is for the postmark. It might take a few extra days for the envelope to land in your mailbox. If it’s been significantly longer, you should contact the entity that issued the form.

Is it worth filing early?

We often get asked if rushing to file is actually beneficial. The short answer is: usually, yes.

The most obvious benefit involves your wallet. If you are owed a refund, filing early typically means getting your money sooner. In recent years, the IRS has issued most refunds within 21 days of filing.

However, we always advocate for managing expectations. With reduced IRS staffing this season, delays are possible. The IRS advises taxpayers not to count on that refund arriving by a specific date for major purchases or bill payments.

Reducing identity theft risk

There is a security advantage to speed. Tax identity theft happens when a fraudster obtains your personal information—like your Social Security number—and files a fake return to steal your refund.

The IRS processes returns on a first-come, first-served basis. If you file your legitimate return early, you effectively lock the door. Once your return is in the system, it becomes much harder for a thief to successfully file a fraudulent one in your name.

What is the new rule about paper checks?

You might have heard about changes regarding how you receive your money. As required by Executive Order 14247, the IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers.

For the 2025 tax year, the IRS will request banking information on all tax returns to issue refunds via direct deposit or electronic funds transfer (EFT).

This is generally good news for taxpayers. Direct deposits are faster and eliminate the risk of a check being lost, stolen, or returned as undeliverable. If you don't have a bank account, options like prepaid debit cards or digital wallets will be available.

If I file early but owe money, do I have to pay immediately?

This is a common misconception that keeps people from filing early. Filing your return and paying your tax bill are two separate actions.

Even if you file in February, your deadline for paying the tax you owe remains April 15.

There is a caveat here regarding penalties. If you didn't pay enough withholding or estimated taxes throughout 2025, you might already owe interest or penalties. In that specific scenario, paying before April 15 could reduce those additional costs.

What if I can’t pay the full amount by April 15?

First, take a deep breath. It happens. But do not let your inability to pay stop you from filing.

The IRS has two separate penalties: one for failure to file, and one for failure to pay. If you ignore the deadline completely, you trigger the failure-to-file penalty, which is often higher.

Here is the best strategy if you are short on funds:

1. File on time (or file an extension).
2. Pay as much as you can by April 15. This lowers the outstanding balance, which reduces the interest and penalties that will accrue.
3. Request an installment plan for the remaining balance.

How do I file for an extension?

Sometimes, life gets in the way, and you just need more time to gather your documents.

Anyone is eligible to file for an automatic extension to October 15 for individual tax returns. You generally do not need to explain why you need the extra time. However, you must file Form 4868 by April 15 to request this extension and avoid the failure-to-file penalty.

Crucial Note: An extension to file is not an extension to pay. To avoid late payment penalties and interest, you still need to estimate your tax liability and pay any taxes owed by April 15.

Let’s navigate this season together

Taxes are complex, but you don't have to tackle them alone. At SD Mayer & Associates, we look beyond the forms to help you maximize your tax breaks and plan for a stronger financial future.

Contact us today to discuss your 2025 return. We’ll help you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and find every opportunity to optimize your tax position.