Key Tax Deadlines in December 2025: Essential Reminders

This December offers crucial financial tasks including year-end tax strategies, tip income reporting, mandatory IRA withdrawals, and final eligible deductions for the fiscal year 2025. As the year-end approaches, staying informed and proactive about these due dates is essential to optimize your tax situation.

December 1 - Kick Off Year-End Tax Planning

December is critical for implementing strategies that could impact your 2025 tax outcomes. Whether you've experienced significant income changes, altered your marital or dependent status, or engaged in property transactions in 2025, now is the time to schedule a tax planning session.

December 10 - Tip Income Reporting Deadline

If you received more than $20 in tips during November, you must report them to your employer via IRS Form 4070 by December 10. Employers are obligated to withhold FICA and income taxes for these tips from your regular wages. Should your regular wages not suffice, the employer will report the shortfall in box 8 of your W-2, requiring you to make up the difference when filing your annual return.Image 1

December 31 - Traditional IRA Mandatory Distribution

For those born before January 1, 1952, December 31 is the last day to withdraw funds from a Traditional IRA without incurring a penalty. If your birthdate falls within 1952, and you reached 73 this year, while distributions can be delayed until April 1, 2026, action may still be required for 2025 to avoid financial penalties. Ensure your financial institution is operational on the final day.

December 31 - Final Date for Deductible Expense Payments

Today also marks the last opportunity to settle deductible payments for the tax year 2025. This rule excludes certain contributions such as those for IRAs, SEPs, and Keoghs, which remain permissible post-December 31, 2025.Image 3
Caution: Institutions' Availability on December 31

Should any action require multiple days or a 31st deadline completion, be aware financial institutions may be closed or have reduced hours. Planning ahead mitigates such risks.

Weekend and Holiday Extensions
If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it automatically extends to the next business day.

Disaster Relief Extensions

In regions declared disaster zones, filing deadlines are extended. For information on disaster-area designations and extended deadlines, consult the following resources: FEMA and IRS Tax Relief.

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