The IRS will start processing 2025 individual income tax returns on January 27. Even if you’re not ready to file yet, there are perks to filing sooner rather than later.
Here are answers to often-asked questions about filing federal returns. Our free 2025 tax planning guide has even more guidance on filing your taxes.
How can your tax identity be stolen?
Tax identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information — such as your Social Security number — to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund in your name. One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself from this type of fraud is to file your tax return as early as possible.
The IRS processes returns on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your legitimate return is in the system, thieves will have a tougher time filing a return under your name.
Are there other advantages to filing early?
In addition to protecting yourself from tax identity theft, another advantage of filing early is that if you’re getting a refund, you’ll get it faster. The IRS expects to issue most refunds in less than 21 days. The wait time is often shorter if you file electronically and receive a refund by direct deposit into a bank account.
Direct deposit also avoids the possibility that a refund check could be lost, stolen, returned to the IRS as undeliverable, or caught in mail delays.
What’s this year’s deadline?
For most taxpayers, the filing deadline to submit 2024 returns or file an extension is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The IRS has granted extensions to victims of certain disasters to file tax returns.
What if I can’t file by April 15?
You can file for an automatic extension on IRS Form 4868 if you’re not ready to file by the deadline. If you file for an extension by April 15, you’ll have until October 15, 2025, to file. Remember that an extension of time to file your return doesn’t grant you any extension of time to pay your taxes. You should estimate and pay any taxes owed by the regular deadline to help avoid penalties.
When will W-2s and 1099s arrive?
To file your tax return, you need all your Forms W-2 and 1099. January 31 is the deadline for employers to issue 2024 W-2s to employees and, generally, for businesses to issue Forms 1099 to recipients of any 2024 interest, dividend, or reportable miscellaneous income payment, (including those made to independent contractors.
If you haven’t received a W-2 or 1099 by February 1, contact the entity that should have issued it. If that doesn’t help, ask your tax preparer about next steps.
What if I can’t pay my tax bill in full?
If you can’t pay what you owe by April 15, there are generally penalties and interest. You should still file your return on time because there are failure-to-file penalties in addition to failure-to-pay penalties. Try to pay as much as possible and request an installment payment plan in the meantime.
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