Check your email. Your W-2 should arrive at any time (if it hasn’t already).
Employers should submit payroll and tax returns by the end of January. The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 26th.
But don’t worry. You still have plenty of time to submit your application before this year’s deadline.
Here are the key dates taxpayers should be aware of.
For most of us, the 2025 tax deadline is Wednesday, April 15. If you do not expect to submit your application by then, you can request a six-month extension.
The IRS says your refund may be issued within 21 days if you filed electronically and elected to receive your refund via direct deposit. If you mail a paper return, the wait could be four weeks or more.
New tax rules mean bigger refunds, but also more complex
If you fail to file your federal tax return on time, the standard penalty is up to 5% of the tax due for each late return, up to a maximum of 25% of the unpaid balance. If you file a tax return but fail to pay the tax you owe, or get an extension, you typically face a much smaller monthly penalty: 0.5% of any unpaid amount.
Yes. The IRS has extended the annual tax deadline for taxpayers who live or do business in disaster-affected areas and for taxpayers in states with local holidays.
A complete list of disaster-related extensions is on the IRS website.
If you request an extension, you must file your tax return by Thursday, October 15. It’s important to remember that an extension doesn’t buy you more time to pay your taxes. If you think you owe taxes, it’s wise to make your best estimate of the amount and pay it by April 15 to avoid later penalties.
If you work as a freelancer, independent contractor or earn income from sources other than a traditional job, you should receive a 1099 tax form by February 15th. Employers usually have until the end of January to send the form.
Employers must send Form W-2 by January 31st.
If your income is not subject to withholding tax, you generally need to pay estimated taxes to the IRS. You can do this every quarter or with an annual estimate. Annualized estimates are due on April 15.
The quarterly payment deadlines for 2026 are as follows:
â—¾ First payment: April 15th.
Second payment: June 15th.
