Millions of U.S. Taxpayers face a Wednesday, April 15 deadline to file their 2025 federal and Recent York state income tax returns, with the IRS anticipating approximately 164 million individual filings before the mid-April date.
The IRS began accepting returns in late January and while most taxpayers are required to file by midnight on April 15, those needing additional time can request an extension. Filing Form 4868 by the April 15 deadline grants an automatic extension until October 15, though it’s crucial to remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay any taxes owed, according to the IRS.
Taxpayers who owe taxes and do not submit payment by April 15 will be subject to penalties and interest. The IRS offers multiple methods for requesting an extension, including through IRS Free File on IRS.gov, by paying online and selecting “extension” as the reason for payment, or by mailing Form 4868.
New York residents seeking a state tax filing extension should complete Form IT-201. Similar to the federal extension, any taxes owed must be paid by the original due date, even with an extension filed.
This year’s tax season is expected to observe larger refunds than usual, driven by changes in key tax rules for the 2025 filing year. The IRS data showed the average refund in 2025 was $2,939, and approximately 75% of Americans typically receive a refund.
Taxpayers earning $89,000 or less in 2025 are eligible to file their taxes for free using IRS Free File, and New York residents within the same income bracket can file online for free through the state Department of Taxation and Finance. The IRS provides online tools and assistance via 800-829-1040, while New York offers a Taxpayer Assistance Program for both federal and state returns.
Service members may qualify for free tax preparation and filing through MilTax, and individuals generally making $69,000 or less, those with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or aged 60 or older may be eligible for free in-person assistance through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.
Employers are required to provide W-2 forms to employees by January 31, detailing total wages and taxes withheld. The IRS anticipates issuing most refunds via direct deposit within 21 days, though some returns may require additional review, potentially causing delays. Factors contributing to delays include claiming certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the filing method (electronic or mail), and existing debts to the federal government.
The IRS will no longer issue paper refund checks to most individual taxpayers, requiring those previously receiving checks to switch to direct deposit. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go app, requiring their Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and exact refund amount. The information is updated daily.
