Tax Day 2025: Deadlines, Refunds, and What to Do If You’re Not Ready
WebCE Staff
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April 15, 2025
Today’s the day! April 15th not only marks the federal income tax filing deadline for most Americans, but also the 70th Anniversary of the date itself. The deadline was moved from March 15 to April 15 in 1955 to give everyone—taxpayers and the IRS—more time to prepare increasingly complex returns.
To make the experience easier for you and your clients, we’ve compiled a guide covering what to do if you're filing now, waiting on your refund, or realizing you need more time—or made a mistake along the way.
Common Last-Minute Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Before you hit submit, take a minute to check for these common tax return errors that can delay processing or affect your refund:
Missing or incorrect Social Security numbers
Choosing the wrong filing status
Entering incorrect bank info for direct deposit
Forgetting to sign and date the return
Omitting income from 1099s or gig work
Mistakes in claiming dependents or credits
Using tax software or a reputable tax professional—including certified public accountants (CPAs), enrolled agents, or other knowledge tax professionals—can help avoid errors and ensure you maximize your refund.
How to Check the Status of Your Tax Return
If you've already filed, you can track your federal return using the IRS’s Where’s My Refund? tool or their mobile app, IRS2Go. The tool is updated daily and offers updates 24 hours after e-filing and 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.
To check your status, you’ll need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount handy.
Some tax software platforms also offer built-in tracking features.
Tax Refund Dates: When to Expect Your Refund
Most taxpayers receive refunds within 21 calendar days of e-filing. Visit our 2025 IRS Refund Payment Calendar to determine when you can expect your refund for direct deposit and paper check.
Delays may occur if:
You filed a paper return, which can take 6-8 weeks to process and mail a paper check
Your return includes the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
The IRS needs to verify identity (often in person) or any other additional information to process your return
The best way to avoid delays? E-file your tax return and select direct deposit for your refund. The IRS recommends this because it helps them process your return faster.
What Happens If You Miss the Tax Filing Deadline?
If you can’t file your taxes by today, don’t panic—but act quickly.
If you're owed a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late, but you should still file soon to claim your money.
If you owe taxes, the IRS will assess late-filing and late-payment penalties plus interest starting April 16.
Even if you can’t pay your full bill, file something—partial payment reduces what you’ll owe in penalties.
Here’s a full list from the IRS on tax return penalties.
Tax Return Deadline Extensions
Need more time to file your federal return? You can request a free extension using Form 4868, giving you until October 15, 2025, to file your paperwork.
However, it's important to understand what this extension does—and doesn't—cover:
A filing extension does not delay your tax payment. If you owe taxes, you’re still expected to estimate your amount due and pay it by April 15 to avoid interest and late-payment penalties.
Even if you can't pay the full amount, filing for an extension can help you avoid the harsher failure-to-file penalty.
Filing an extension gives you breathing room to finish your return—just don’t forget to pay what you owe today to avoid further penalties.
How to File an Amended Tax Return
Make a mistake? You can file an amended return with Form 1040-X.
This is commonly used to:
Add missed income, such as a 1099-K or freelance work
Change your filing status
Claim missed deductions or tax credits
Amended returns can be filed electronically for 2021 and later, or mailed in. You have up to three years from your original filing date to submit corrections.
Once submitted, you can track your amended return with the IRS’s Where’s My Amended Return? tool.
Don’t Forget About State Tax Deadlines
Some states follow the April 15 deadline, while others have different due dates or requirements.
If your state collects income tax, double-check:
Whether you need to file a separate return
What the state-specific deadline is
If your state offers free e-filing tools or forms
To find your state, visit this complete list of each state’s tax agency.
Smart Filing Starts with Good Info
Tax Day doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools and information, you can file confidently, avoid penalties, and even unlock money you didn’t realize was waiting. If you’re unsure of your next step, a qualified tax professional can help.