2025 Tax Deadlines: What You Need to Know About Filing, Extensions, and Long-Term Care Deductions
Taxes are inevitable, but missing deadlines doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re filing as an individual, making quarterly estimated payments, or managing a business, knowing the key dates is vital to staying compliant and avoiding penalties.
There are critical tax deadlines you should be aware of for 2025, and understand what to do if you’ve missed them, how to file for an extension, and how to maximize deductions related to health and long-term care planning.
For adults over 50, you have valuable opportunities to reduce taxable income by contributing more to retirement and health accounts. For 401(k) and similar workplace retirement plans, you can make additional “catch-up” contributions of up to $7,500 in 2025 on top of the standard annual limit of $23,000, bringing your total possible contribution to $30,500.
If you have a Health Savings Account, you can also make a $1,000 catch-up contribution once you turn 55, boosting your potential tax savings. These higher limits help you prepare for retirement and healthcare costs while lowering your current taxable income.
Plus, you may qualify for Long-Term Care Insurance tax deductions and benefits as well.
Key Tax Deadlines in 2025
Filing taxes isn’t a one-and-done process; it comes with multiple deadlines depending on your situation. Here are the essentials to keep on your radar for the 2025 tax season.
Individual Income Tax Deadline
The primary tax deadline for individuals filing income taxes is April 15, 2025. This date applies to most individuals, including those filing jointly or separately. If you’re claiming credits or deductions, make sure your paperwork is organized and ready well before the deadline to submit an accurate return.
“Our focus at the IRS continues to be on making tax filing easier and more accessible for everyone,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel in January 2025.
We’ve added more digital tools to help taxpayers. But as tax season quickly approaches, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are important steps they can take now to get ready for 2025.
Estimated Tax Payment Deadlines
Estimated tax payments for 2025 are spread across four dates to help you stay compliant:
- April 15, 2025 (Q1 payment)
- June 17, 2025 (Q2 payment)
- September 15, 2025 (Q3 payment)
- January 15, 2026 (Q4 payment for 2025 income)
Business Tax Deadlines
For partnerships and S corporations, March 17, 2025, is the deadline to file your returns. C corporations generally share the April 15 deadline with individual filers. Make sure you account for your specific business structure to meet these key dates.
Filing for an Extension
Life circumstances can interfere with tax preparation, and sometimes you need more time. While an extension doesn’t remove your tax obligations, it provides breathing room to file accurately.
Who Should Request an Extension?
Anyone who knows they won’t meet the original April deadline can benefit from an extension. Common reasons include needing time to gather documents, managing unexpected financial challenges, or requiring help from a tax professional during the busy filing season.
How to File for an Extension
You can request an extension by submitting IRS Form 4868 by April 15, 2025. Filing is straightforward and can be done online or by mail. Remember that you’ll still need to pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties or interest. (IRS Form 4868 instructions)
If approved, you’ll have until October 15, 2025, to submit your return. For reliable assistance, use reputable tax software or consult a qualified tax professional.
Tax software tools, such as TurboTax, offer resources for extensions or additional guidance. Use their tools to manage tax processes seamlessly and even check if an tax deadline extended benefits you in case of emergencies.
Stay updated on any potential IRS deadline changes due to natural disasters or emergencies by checking irs.gov.
Don’t Forget State Deadlines
While many states align with the federal tax deadlines, some have different dates for income tax filing and estimated payments. Check with your state’s Department of Revenue to confirm your obligations, especially if you owe state estimated taxes.
Health Savings Accounts and Long-Term Care Insurance Deductions
If you’re investing in your health and long-term care, the IRS allows valuable tax benefits you shouldn’t overlook:
Health Savings Account Deductions
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): For 2025, contribution limits are $ 3,850 for individuals and $ 7,750 for families, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution for those aged 55 and older.
Contributions reduce taxable income and can grow tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses. (IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-28)
Long-Term Care Insurance Deductions
Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums: Qualified LTC Insurance premiums are tax-deductible up to age-based limits published by the IRS. For 2025 (based on the latest guidance), limits are:
- Age 40 or under: up to $470
- Ages 41-50: up to $880
- Ages 51-60: up to $1,760
- Ages 61-70: up to $4,710
- Age 71 or older: up to $5,880
Most policies are purchased by couples, which means they could deduct up to $12,040 next year depending on their age. -Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long‑Term Care Insurance.
C Corporations can deduct 100 percent of the Long-Term Care Insurance premium and choose which employee, or just the owner, receives the benefit. S Corporations, LLCs, and individual proprietors follow the IRS schedule like individuals.
Special Circumstances and Considerations
Disaster Relief Extensions
If you’re affected by a federally declared disaster, you may qualify for automatic extensions. These extensions allow more time to recover and file without worrying about immediate tax deadlines. Monitor IRS announcements for disaster-related tax relief eligibility.
Military Extensions
Active-duty military members serving in combat zones receive automatic filing extensions without needing to submit extra forms. This policy ensures you can focus on your duties and file your taxes upon return without added stress.
The Bottom Line
Staying aware of key deadlines, knowing how to request extensions, and taking advantage of deductions like HSAs and Long-Term Care Insurance premiums can help you manage your taxes efficiently while planning for future health needs. Being proactive now can save you stress, money, and potential penalties later.