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As we look forward to 2025, we can mark significant dates on our calendars: birthdays, anniversaries and, of course, the deadlines the IRS sets for filing and paying federal income taxes.

Bear in mind that we are filing taxes for income earned in 2024, even though we file those forms in 2025. To keep confusion to a minimum, tax experts refer to 2024 as the tax year and 2025

as the filing year. Most, but not all, of the deadlines in 2025 refer to tax year 2024. WHEN IS TAX DAY 2025? ​In 2020 and 2021, the tax return deadline got pushed back by the COVID-19

pandemic . And in years when April 15 falls on a weekend, such as 2023, the deadline gets pushed back to the next business day. But in 2025, we'll face the traditional Tax Day

deadline: April 15. FILING LATE? Don’t blow the deadline. The penalty for late filing is 5 percent of the amount due each month, maxing out at 25 percent a year. Interest also accrues, at

a rate of 3 percent, compounding daily. If you must file late, you can get an automatic extension by filing IRS Form 4868. The automatic extension gives you until Oct. 15 to file your

return.  Some taxpayers affected by recent natural disasters get extra time to file. For example, victims in Southern California that were affected by the wildfires that began on Jan. 7

have until Oct. 15, 2025 to file their federal tax returns. 2025 IRS KEY TAX DATES * JAN. 15: Final estimated tax payment for 2024 due * JAN. 27: IRS begins processing 2024 tax returns *

FEB. 1: Most of AARP Tax Aide's 3,500+ locations open * APRIL 15: Filing deadline for 2024 taxes. First estimated tax payment for tax year 2025 due * JUNE 16: Second estimated tax

payment for 2025 due * SEPT. 15: Third estimated tax payment for 2025 due * OCT. 15: Extended deadline to file 2024 tax return * JAN. 15, 2026: Fourth estimated tax payment for 2025 due

WHEN DOES TAX SEASON START? The IRS will begin accepting and processing new returns on Jan. 27. The agency says most taxpayers will get their refunds within 21 days of when they file

electronically, barring any issues with processing their tax returns. Electronic filing, when linked with direct deposit, is the fastest way to get a refund. In 2024 the average tax refund

was $3,050. PAYING ESTIMATED TAXES Self-employed people must pay estimated taxes every quarter. The first payment for the 2024 tax year is due April 15, with other quarterly payments due

June 16, Sept. 15 and Jan. 15, 2026. _Need help with your tax return? Try AARP'S TAX CALCULATOR._ _Visit __AARP Foundation Tax-Aide__ to learn more about free tax prep services by

30,000 volunteers nationwide._ Find Your State's Tax Guide Learn more about your state’s tax policies and tax breaks. Check back for updates and new guides. Select Your State