Checklist for 2025 US Tax Season

Important Dates

• April 15, 2026: Deadline for filing 2025 tax returns
• January 31, 2026: Deadline for employers to send W-2 forms
• March 15, 2026: Deadline for S-corporations and partnerships to file returns
• October 15, 2026: Extended filing deadline (if extension requested by April 15)

Required Documents

• Personal information (SSN/ITIN for you, spouse, and dependents)
• W-2 forms from all employers
• 1099 forms (freelance work, dividends, interest, etc.)
• 1098 forms (mortgage interest, student loan interest)
• Property tax records
• Charitable donation receipts
• Medical expense records (if they exceed 7.5% of your income)
• Previous year's tax return

Deductions and Credits to Consider

• Standard deduction vs. itemized deductions
• Child Tax Credit and Dependent Care Credit
• Education credits (American Opportunity, Lifetime Learning)
• Retirement savings contributions credit
• Home office deduction (if self-employed)
• Electric vehicle tax credit
• Energy-efficient home improvement credits

Special Considerations for 2025

Note: Tax laws may have changed since this document was created. Verify current tax laws and provisions for the 2025 tax year.

Filing Options

• IRS Free File (if your income is below threshold)
• Commercial tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.)
• Professional tax preparer or CPA
• IRS Direct File system (check availability)

After Filing

• Keep copies of your tax return and supporting documents for at least 3 years
• If you received a refund, consider adjusting your withholding for next year
• If you owed taxes, consider making estimated tax payments for next year
• Begin organizing documents for next tax season

Resources

• IRS website: www.irs.gov
• IRS Tax Assistance Centers (for in-person help)
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs