2024 Tax Returns: Here's the Earliest You Can File (Plus 18 Other Key Dates)

The new tax season is officially upon us. Whether you're a meticulous planner or a notorious procrastinator, understanding these key tax season dates can make the process smoother and help you avoid wasting money on fees and other costs that come with missing a deadline. 

While you might know off the top of your head that April 15th is typically tax day, there are other crucial dates you should be aware of, including the day the 2025 filing season starts.

Let's dive into the important dates you need to know so you don't miss a deadline and so you know when you should start prepping your taxes.

The starting line of the tax season is just around the corner, as IRS records show that the start date is usually in the last week of January.

In 2023, the start filing day was January 23, and last year, January 27. Now, the IRS has announced that January 27 will start the 2025 tax filing season once again.

This early kick-off sets the tone for the financial year ahead and positions you strategically to reap several benefits.

January 15, 2025 - 4th Quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due

January 27, 2025 - First day you can file 2024 taxes

January 31, 2025 - Due date for employers to send W-2 forms

January 31, 2025 - Certain 1099 forms are sent

February 18, 2025 - Reclaim your exemption from withholding

April 1, 2025 - Required minimum distribution due if you turned 73 in 2024

April 15, 2025 - Tax day (unless extended due to local state holiday)

April 15, 2025 - Deadline to File Form 4868 and request an extension

April 15, 2025 - Deadline to make IRA and HSA contributions for 2024 tax year

April 15, 2025 - First quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due

June 16, 2025 - Second quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due

September 15, 2025 - Third quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due

October 15, 2025 - Deadline to file your extended 2024 tax return

December 31, 2025 - Required minimum distributions have to be taken for individuals age 73 or older by the end of 2025.

Being an early bird when it comes to taxes has its perks. First and foremost, it brings clarity to your financial situation and can help lower your financial stress. Imagine the satisfaction of having your tax affairs in order and knowing if you owe/are owed money well before the official deadline.

Moreover, filing early often translates to receiving any tax refund you might be entitled to quicker, providing a welcome financial boost. Add to that the reduced risk of falling victim to identity theft as you beat potential fraudsters to the punch.

If you are self-employed or own a business, your deadlines may look a little different. For partnerships, multi-member LLCs, and S-Corporations that run on a calendar year, you'll need to file by March 17, 2025.

If your operations run on a fiscal year, the deadline is the 15th day of the fourth month after your fiscal year concludes (However, a corporation with a fiscal tax year ending June 30 must file by the 15th day of the third month after the end of its tax year.)

If you are self-employed (think freelancer, contractor, or home-based entrepreneur), likely, your taxes aren't withheld from your paychecks during the year. This means you'll pay quarterly estimated taxes instead. The last quarterly estimated tax deadline of 2024 is January 15, 2025.

• January 31, 2024 - Certain 1099 forms are due to be sent
• March 15, 2025 - Taxes are due for some business types (partnerships, multi-member LLCs, and S-Corporations)
• April 15, 2025 - Taxes for C-Corporations are due.
• September 15, 2025 - Deadline for extended partnership and S-corporation returns
• October 15, 2025 - Deadline for extended C-corporation returns
• January 15, 2026 - Fourth quarter 2025 estimated tax payment due

If you fail to file your taxes on time then you could incur penalties and interest on any money that is owed. To ensure a seamless tax filing process, consider adopting a proactive approach. Stay organized throughout the year by diligently tracking receipts, expenses, and any tax-related documents. Leverage technology through tax preparation software or seek professional advice.

If, for any reason, meeting the deadline seems challenging, breathe easy knowing you can request an automatic 6-month extension using Form 4868. However, an extension of time to file doesn't grant an extension of time to pay, so estimate and pay any taxes you owe by the original due date.

The request to file an extension is no later than the due date of your regular return, which for most taxpayers is April 15, 2025. Even if you plan to file in August or September, you must file the request to do so by April 15th.

October 15, 2025, is the extension deadline to file your taxes. Should October 15th fall on a weekend or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next business day. Your return is considered filed on time if the envelope is addressed, postmarked, and deposited in the mail by October 15th. You may be subject to penalties and fees beyond this date.

If you electronically file, you can request an extension through IRS Free File. You may also get an extension by electronically paying all or part of your estimated taxes due and indicating that the payment is for an extension. If you select the indicator during this process, you won't need to file a separate extension form.

From specialized taxes like self-employment and making money online to the intricacies of business taxes, be aware of the nuances of your specific situation. Explore deduction opportunities, stay informed about changes in tax laws, and consider consulting with a tax professional to optimize your financial strategy.

The key to a stress-free tax season is knowledge and preparedness. As you prepare to improve your financial fitness in 2025 and tackle your taxes, remember that April 15 is the deadline for most individual tax filers.

Although the IRS official tax filing season begins on January 27, IRS Free File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date.

Plan ahead, stay organized, and embrace the tax season with newfound confidence.