As the clock ticks down on the 2025 tax season, millions of Americans are scrambling to file their returns before the looming April 15 deadline. With less than two weeks remaining, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging taxpayers to submit their filings as soon as possible to avoid potential mistakes that could delay refunds.
The deadline for filing federal tax returns is set for April 15, 2025. Taxpayers who find themselves needing more time can request a six-month extension, which would push their filing deadline to October 15, 2025. However, it’s crucial to remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay any taxes owed. Payments must still be made by the April 15 deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
In Ohio, the state tax filing deadline mirrors the federal deadline, also falling on April 15, 2025. Taxpayers in the Buckeye State can similarly request an extension until October 15, 2025, for their state filings.
Failing to meet the tax filing deadline can lead to penalties and interest, particularly for those who owe money. According to IRS guidelines, filing as soon as possible is recommended to minimize any potential penalties. Interestingly, for those expecting a refund or who do not owe taxes, there is no penalty for filing after the deadline; however, the IRS advises that refunds are best claimed sooner rather than later.
So, how can taxpayers track their refunds? The IRS provides several tools to help individuals stay updated on their refund status. E-filed tax returns typically see refunds processed within about one month or less from the filing date. Taxpayers can check their refund status using the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website, through the IRS2Go mobile app, or by calling 800-829-1954.
The refund tracker offers three types of status updates: "Return received," meaning the IRS has received and is processing the tax return; "Refund approved," indicating that the return is complete and accurate, and the IRS is preparing to issue a refund; and "Refund sent," which confirms that the refund has been dispatched either to the taxpayer's bank account or via a mailed check.
For those who e-file their current-year returns, a refund status should appear within 24 hours. For prior-year e-filed returns, the status can be checked three to four days after filing, while paper returns may take up to four weeks before a status update is available.
As for the timing of refunds, the IRS typically processes e-filed returns within 21 days. However, amended returns or those filed by mail may take longer. The agency recommends opting for direct deposit as the fastest method to receive refunds, as mailed checks can take weeks to arrive.
With the tax deadline fast approaching, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to double-check their filings for accuracy to prevent delays in refunds. Missing information or errors can lead to longer processing times, and in some cases, could even result in additional penalties.
In summary, the key dates to remember are as follows: the final day to file both federal and Ohio state taxes is April 15, 2025. Taxpayers can request a six-month extension, but must pay any owed taxes by the same date. Refunds for e-filed returns typically take up to 21 days, while paper returns can take longer. Tracking your refund is made easy with the IRS tools available online and via mobile.
As the deadline approaches, it’s vital for taxpayers to stay informed and proactive about their tax filings to ensure a smooth process. Whether you’re finalizing your return or waiting for your refund, understanding these key details can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with tax season.
