When is Tax Season 2025: Tips and Strategies

Tax season can be stressful for a lot of people, but staying informed and filing early can save you headaches down the road. So, when is tax season 2025? The IRS typically starts accepting tax returns in mid-to-late January, with the deadline falling on April 15, 2025.

Filing your taxes on time is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure you get your refund as soon as possible. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about tax season 2025, including key deadlines, refund schedules, tax bracket updates, and expert strategies to maximize your return.

Key Tax Season 2025 Dates & Deadlines

When is Tax Season 2025?

The IRS officially kicks off tax season in January 2025, with most taxpayers required to submit their federal tax returns by April 15, 2025. If you need an extension, you can file Form 7004, but you’ll still need to pay any owed taxes by the deadline to avoid penalties.

How Early Can You File Taxes in 2025?

You may be asking, how early can you file taxes in 2025? The IRS generally starts accepting tax returns around mid-to-late January. However, if you’re using a tax preparer or online filing software, you may be able to submit your return earlier, and it will be processed once the IRS officially opens the season.

Important Deadlines for Tax Extensions (Form 7004)

If you need extra time to file your taxes, you must submit Form 7004 by April 15, 2025. This form grants an automatic six-month extension, pushing your final filing deadline to October 15, 2025. Keep in mind that this extension applies only to filing your return. Any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties.

Tax Refund Processing & State Refund Status

How to Check Your State Tax Refund Status

Once you’ve filed your return, the next big question is: When will I get my refund? The processing time varies by state, but most states provide online tracking tools to check your tax refund status.

AZ Tax Refund Status

For Arizona residents, checking your tax in Arizona refund status is simple. Visit the Arizona Department of Revenue website and enter your Social Security Number (SSN) and refund amount to track your refund. Processing times typically take two to four weeks for e-filed returns and six to eight weeks for paper returns.

New York State Tax Refund Status

If you’re filing in New York, you can check your New York State tax refund status on the New York Department of Taxation and Finance website. Refunds for e-filed returns typically take up to three weeks, while paper returns may take six to eight weeks.

Indiana State Refund

Hoosiers can check their Indiana state refund by visiting the Indiana Department of Revenue website and entering their SSN and refund amount. Most refunds are issued within 10 to 14 days for e-filed returns and up to 12 weeks for mailed returns.

WI State Tax Refund Status

For those in Wisconsin, the WI state tax refund status can be tracked through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website. E-filed returns are usually processed within one to two weeks, while paper returns take about six to eight weeks.

Oregon Refund Status

Oregon taxpayers can check their Oregon refund status on the Oregon Department of Revenue website. Refunds typically take up to four weeks for e-filed returns and up to 12 weeks for mailed returns.

Iowa State Tax Refund

Residents of Iowa can track their Iowa state tax refund online. The processing time for e-filed returns is usually four weeks, while paper returns can take eight to 12 weeks.

2025 Tax Refund Schedule: When to Expect Your Money

Estimated Tax Refund Schedule 2025

While the IRS tax refund schedule 2025 hasn’t been officially released yet, past trends indicate that e-filers can expect their refunds within 21 days. Paper filers may have to wait up to six weeks.

Factors That Can Delay Refunds

Your refund could be delayed due to:

• Errors in your return (incorrect Social Security numbers, wrong bank info, etc.)
• IRS security checks for potential fraud
• Claiming certain credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Missing documentation

2026 Tax Brackets Married Filing Jointly

The 2026 tax brackets for married filing jointly may see adjustments due to inflation and tax law changes. While the final figures are yet to be released, it’s crucial for couples to stay informed and plan their tax strategies accordingly.

Smart Tax Filing Tips & Strategies for 2025

Best Practices for Maximizing Your Refund

• File Early – The sooner you file, the quicker you’ll receive your refund.
• E-File and Choose Direct Deposit – This speeds up processing and reduces errors.
• Double-Check Your Information – Typos and errors can delay your refund.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to sign your return
• Entering the wrong bank details for direct deposit
• Claiming ineligible deductions or credits

Conclusion

With tax season 2025 fast approaching, now is the time to prepare. Mark your calendars for key deadlines, file early to avoid delays, and use online tools to track your state tax refund status.

By following these expert tips and strategies, you can ensure a smooth tax filing experience and maximize your refund.

FAQs

When is tax season 2025, and how early can you file taxes in 2025?

Tax season 2025 officially starts in mid-to-late January, with the IRS beginning to accept tax returns. If you’re eager to file, many tax software providers allow early submission, and the IRS will process them once the season starts. The deadline for most taxpayers is April 15, 2025.

How can I check my Arizona refund status?

To track your AZ tax refund status, visit the Arizona Department of Revenue website and enter your Social Security Number and refund amount. E-filed returns are usually processed within two to four weeks, while paper returns can take six to eight weeks.

What is the process for checking my New York State tax refund status?

You can check your New York State tax refund status on the New York Department of Taxation and Finance website. Most e-filed refunds are issued within three weeks, while paper returns may take up to eight weeks.

How long does it take to get an Indiana state refund or WI state tax refund?

For Indiana, e-filed returns take about 10 to 14 days, while mailed returns can take up to 12 weeks. In Wisconsin, e-filed refunds are processed within one to two weeks, whereas paper returns may take six to eight weeks. You can track your WI state tax refund status on the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website.

Will tax brackets change in 2026 for married couples filing jointly?

The 2026 tax brackets for married filing jointly may see adjustments due to inflation and policy changes. Staying updated on tax law revisions will help in planning tax-saving strategies ahead of time.