What You Need to Know About US Tax Deadlines
Updated on January 17, 2025
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Aya Takriti, an IRS Enrolled Agent with 11 years of expat tax experience, specializes in US tax preparation, tax planning and tax advice for US citizens and Green Card holders living and working in the Middle East. *Schedule a consultation with Aya today.
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Table of Contents
2025 US tax deadlines:
January 15 |
Deadline for the 2024 4th quarter estimated tax payments |
January 27 |
It is the start of the year’s tax filing season. On that day, taxpayers can start submitting their returns electronically or on paper. |
January 31 |
Deadline for employers to distribute W-2 Forms and for businesses or independent contractors to distribute 1099-NEC, 1099-K, 1099-MISC, and others (for self-employed). |
February 18 |
Deadline for the updated W-4 Form for exemptions from withholding in 2024. |
March 17 |
Deadline for filing foreign trust returns (Form 3520-A). |
April 15 |
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June 13 |
Deadline for expats to request an extension to file by October 15 |
June 16 |
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September 15 |
3rd quarter tax payment deadline. |
October 14 |
Deadline for an additional 2-month extension request on tax return for expats. |
October 15 |
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December 15 |
Deadline for the additional 2-month extension on tax return for expats. |
Who needs to make estimated tax payments?
Taxpayers who are typically self-employed individuals, independent contractors, investors, and others who expect to owe at least US$1,000 in taxes after withholding and credits are required to make estimated tax payments.
Generally, these payments are made quarterly to cover income not subject to automatic tax withholding. The income they usually report comes from self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, and gains from selling assets.
Why do US citizens abroad still need to pay taxes in the US?
As a US citizen, you are required to report your income and pay your taxes no matter where you reside.
Self-employed expats without a totalization treaty may need to pay Social Security tax on self-employment income (self-employment tax) in both the US and their resident country.
Additionally, if you have foreign financial accounts with a combined peak balance exceeding US$10,000 at any point during the year, you need to file an FBAR with the IRS for transparency.
When are taxes due for expats?
Those who are physically outside of the US on April 15 will be given an automatic two-month extension to file their federal tax return. If you are living overseas, you need to file your taxes no later than June 16, 2025. However, the tax payment deadline is still April 15, 2025, and you need to pay taxes to avoid late payment interest fees.
How do I apply for a filing extension of my tax return?
US citizens abroad automatically get an extension from the regular filing deadline to June 16, 2025. You don’t need to apply for this but you need to state on your tax return why you qualify. Additional time is automatically given to help US citizens abroad prepare international documents for filing their US taxes.
If you need more time beyond June 16, you can request an additional extension and file Form 4868 or the “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File US Individual Income Tax Return.” It grants you an additional 4 months, extending your filing deadline to October 15, 2025.
If October 15 is not enough time, you can request a further extension to December 15, 2025, by writing a letter to the IRS explaining your reasons. However, special cases are only considered for this extension, so the IRS does not guarantee approval.
Are state tax deadlines different from federal tax deadlines?
Many states align their tax deadlines with the federal schedule, so there are fewer dates for taxpayers to remember. However, in some states, like Maine or Massachusetts, the state tax deadlines are usually moved because of legal holidays practiced there.
So, checking with both the federal and state deadlines is important to avoid late fees and penalties.
Need help filing your US taxes? Click to get expert assistance and file on time.
When will I get my tax refund?
The timeline for receiving your tax refund depends on how you file your tax return. If you opted for electronic filing with direct deposit, you can get it within 21 days. For paper returns through mail, you can expect to receive them within 6 to 8 weeks after the IRS receives your return.
It is important to note that this is just a prediction, and certain situations may result in delays, such as mistakes in your return, missing information, or additional verification for some credits.
Where can I check the status of my refund?
Your refund status is available on the IRS official website under the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Be prepared to provide your Social Security Number (ITIN), filing status, and the refund amount.
You can also call the IRS at 800-829-1954 for an update regarding your refund.
Are there special tax filing provisions for members of the military?
Yes, members of the military can benefit from special tax filing provisions to simplify their tax obligations and provide support for their service.
They also have an extended filing deadline, especially when serving in a combat zone. The deadline is extended to at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone.
Are there provisions for natural disasters on filing my tax return?
Yes, when a federal disaster is declared, there will be an automatic extension for people affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or earthquakes. This extension typically affects most filings and payments, such as income and excise taxes. You can check the IRS disaster relief page for more information regarding this.
How is the failure-to-file penalty computed?
The penalty is 5% of the unpaid tax amount for each month the return is late and is capped at 25% after 5 months of non-filing.
If you miss the filing deadline, you should submit your tax return as soon as possible so you can lessen the penalties you could incur.
What is the IRS e-filing shutdown?
The IRS e-filing shutdown period is an annual timeframe during which the IRS temporarily closes its e-filing systems. This downtime allows the IRS to update the systems and prepare for the upcoming tax season.
It usually comes in late November or early December and lasts until mid to late January, depending on the readiness of the IRS systems for the new tax season. This year, the IRS announced the start of the 2025 tax filing season on January 27, 2025 (Monday).
Are there retirement-related tax filing deadlines?
Yes, for retirees, these deadlines pertain to contributions, distributions, and reporting of retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s, and other tax-advantaged accounts. Here are the list of deadlines:
- Traditional and Roth IRA Contributions: April 15, 2025
- Roth IRA Conversions: December 31, 2025
- Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): December 31, 2025
- 401(k) Contributions: December 31, 2025
- Saver’s Credit: April 15, 2025
- Filing Form 5329 (Additional Taxes on Retirement Plans): April 15, 2025 or October 15, 2025 with an extension
- Reporting Early Withdrawals: April 15, 2025