2025 Tax Filing Season: Key Dates and Insights for Individual Filers

As the 2025 tax filing season approaches, it’s important to stay informed and prepared. Below, we’ve summarized the key deadlines and information you need to know to ensure a smooth and successful tax season.

Key Deadlines for the 2025 Tax Season
IRS Tax Season Start: The IRS will likely begin accepting 2024 tax returns between January 15 and January 31, 2025 (date not yet confirmed).

Estimated Tax Payments (Q4 2024): Due January 15, 2025 for income earned from September 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

Tax Day (Federal Filing Deadline): The official federal filing deadline is April 15, 2025.

Filing Extensions: If you need more time, file Form 4868 by April 15, 2025, to extend your filing deadline to October 15, 2025. Keep in mind, this extension only applies to filing, not to payment of taxes owed.
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Hurricane Helene Relief: Residents of impacted areas have an extended filing deadline of May 1, 2025 (see details below). This extension applies to:

• 2024 federal returns due in March or April 2025.
• Estimated tax payments originally due January 16 and April 15, 2025.
• Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns.

No action is required to receive this relief; the extensions are automatic for qualifying taxpayers. 

Important Tax Documents and Their Deadlines
To expedite the filing of your tax return, please upload and send your tax documents as soon as you receive them. We’ll be reaching out early and often to keep you on track. Key forms and their deadlines include:

• W-2s (Employee Income): Employers must send these by January 31, 2025.
• 1099 Forms (Non-Employee Income): Freelancers, investors, and other non-employees can expect these forms by:
  • January 31, 2025 for most 1099 forms, including 1099-NEC, 1099-DIV, and 1099-INT.
  • February 17, 2025 for forms like 1099-B (this is for your stock sales), 1099-S, and 1099-MISC.
• 1098 Forms (Mortgage Interest and Tuition): Due by the issuing party by January 31, 2025.
• Schedule K-1 (Partnerships, S Corporations, etc.): Entities must file K-1s by March 15, 2025, unless an extension is requested of which could delay the receipt of this form until September 15, 2025.
• Form 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement): If you purchased health insurance through the marketplace, this form will report your coverage and any credits received. This should arrive by January 31, 2025.

Refund Timing and Filing Tips
Refund Processing: The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days of receiving an e-filed return with direct deposit selected. Paper filings or mailed refund checks take longer.

Delays for EITC or ACTC Claims: Refunds for these credits are typically held until mid-to-late February due to anti-fraud measures.

For the fastest refund, file electronically and choose direct deposit. Filing early is always a good idea to avoid delays, and electronic filing is faster, safer, and more efficient.

Looking Ahead
For the 2025 tax season, we encourage our clients to stay organized, send us all necessary documents as soon as you receive them, and avoid last-minute filing stress. Be proactive — read our communications, sign your engagement letters, complete your organizers, and upload your documents to our secure portal as soon as they’re available. 

At Cornbelt Financial, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from planning to filing. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help make your tax season as stress-free as possible!

Let’s make this tax season smooth, efficient, and successful!