2025 Tax Deadlines Every Small Business Owner Should Know

One of the easiest ways to keep your business finances stress-free is to stay ahead of tax deadlines. Missing one can lead to penalties, interest, and a whole lot of unnecessary overwhelm — but with the right system, it doesn’t have to be that way.

This guide covers the key federal tax deadlines for 2025 that most U.S.-based entrepreneurs and small business owners should know. Bookmark this page or share it with a friend so you always have it handy.

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Quarterly Estimated Tax Deadlines

If you earn income that isn’t subject to automatic withholding (most self-employed and small business owners do), you’ll likely need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.

Here are the 2025 due dates:

• Q1 — April 15, 2025
• Q2 — June 16, 2025 (the 15th falls on a Sunday this year)
• Q3 — September 15, 2025
• Q4 — January 15, 2026

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Annual Federal Tax Deadlines

In addition to quarterly payments, you’ll also want to keep these annual filing dates on your radar:

• January 31, 2025 — 1099-NEC & 1099-MISC forms due to contractors and the IRS
• January 31, 2025 — W-2s due to employees and Social Security Administration
• March 17, 2025 — S-Corp and Partnership returns (Form 1120-S, Form 1065) due (the 15th is a Saturday this year)
• April 15, 2025 — Individual returns (Form 1040) and C-Corp returns (Form 1120) due
  
• September 15, 2025 — Extended deadline for S-Corp and Partnership returns (if you filed for an extension)
• October 15, 2025 — Extended deadline for individual returns (if you filed Form 4868)

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What About State Deadlines?

State deadlines often line up with the federal ones — but not always. Each state sets its own rules, so you’ll need to check directly with your state’s Department of Revenue or Franchise Tax Board for the most accurate information.

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Notes & Reminders

• Not all deadlines apply to everyone. The dates you’re responsible for depend on your business structure (LLC, S-Corp, sole proprietor, etc.) and your income.
• Extensions move your filing deadline, not your payment deadline. If you owe, you’ll still need to make the payment by the original due date.
• Late payments can mean penalties and interest — and those add up fast.
  

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Other Deadlines That May Apply

While the deadlines above cover the most common small business situations, you may also need to be aware of these dates if they apply to your business:

• Quarterly Payroll Taxes (Form 941) — Due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31
• Annual FUTA Tax (Form 940) — Due January 31, 2025
• Employee Benefit Plans (Form 5500) — Due July 31, 2025 (extensions available until October 15)
• C-Corp Extended Deadline (Form 1120) — September 30, 2025 if you filed for a 6-month extension

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Final Thoughts

Taxes don’t have to be scary, and deadlines don’t have to sneak up on you. With a little planning — and the right reminders — you’ll feel more confident and in control all year long.

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Last Updated: October 2025

(This post will be updated regularly to reflect future tax years.)