When is the business tax deadline 2025?

The business tax deadline to file federal tax returns for most taxpayers and small businesses will be April 15, 2025. But that’s just the main one. There are several business tax deadlines to be aware of — and many of them are different if you’re not a sole proprietor.

Jump ahead to learn:

• What is the business tax deadline in 2025?
• When is tax day?
• State business tax deadlines
• Business tax extension deadline in 2025 
• When to make quarterly estimated tax payments 2025
• Payroll and employment tax deadlines 2025
• How to prepare your taxes
• Common self-employed and business deductions
• How NEXT helps small business owners

What is the business tax deadline in 2025?

The federal income tax deadline for the calendar year 2024 is April 15, 2025, at midnight in the time zone you’re filing in.

This date is for sole proprietors who file Schedule C and personal income tax returns (IRS Form 1040). (It’s also C-corporations’ deadline, but that’s a little less common.) So, if you’re a self-employed individual, independent contractor or gig worker, this date applies to you.

You can e-file or send in your tax forms via mail. If you file by mail, the IRS will consider your return on time if it’s postmarked by the due date.

When is tax filing day?

April 15, 2025.

If you have a business partnership (including LLCs) or an S-corporation, your deadline is March 15, 2025.

State business tax deadlines

Federal tax deadlines don’t always fall on the same date as state tax deadlines. Check with your state’s tax agency or consult with a licensed tax professional to learn more about your state’s requirements.

Each state calculates its tax rates a bit differently. Generally, if your business entity is incorporated, you file corporate tax returns.

You pay personal income tax if you are a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC).

Learn more about choosing a business structure for your small business.

Business tax extension deadline in 2025

Filing a tax extension can provide valuable breathing room for small business owners. This allows you until October 15 to file without penalty.

You might automatically qualify for an extension if you’re:

• In a federally declared disaster area
• In the military stationed abroad or serving in a combat zone
• A citizen or resident alien living outside the U.S.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you pay any taxes owed by your tax filing deadline. The extension is only for filing your return.

To file for an extension, submit Form 7004 to the IRS by the original tax due date. This form allows you to extend your business tax deadline by six months.

Keep estimating and paying any owed taxes to avoid penalties. Filing for an extension doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for taxes owed; it simply gives you extra time to file the paperwork. Keep track of your new deadline to ensure compliance.

When to make quarterly estimated tax payments 2025

Many small businesses don’t wait until April to pay their taxes in full. It is common for contractors and the self-employed to make quarterly tax payments to avoid a high tax bill with annual filings.

In 2025, the payments for sole proprietors, S-corporations or C-corporations quarterly taxes are due on:

• April 15: payment for first quarter 2025 estimated business tax due
• June 16: payment for second quarter 2025 estimated business tax due
• September 15: payment for third quarter 2025 estimated business tax due
• January 15, 2026: payment for fourth quarter 2025 estimated business tax due

Generally, estimated tax payments are due on the 15th of these months. However, if the 15th is on a weekend (or holiday), it will default to the next business day.

Remember that since there is no self-employed tax withholding, those in business for themselves often pay nearly 30% of revenue to the IRS.

Fill out Form 1040-ES to make quarterly payments. That helps you calculate what you owe for business income tax, Social Security and Medicare.

Payroll and employment tax deadlines 2025

Payroll is much more than cutting a check — you also have to pay employment taxes and send form W-2s to your employees. (W-2 forms and some 1099 forms should be sent to employees by January 31 every year)

Luckily, many small business owners use accounting software to calculate what’s owed and remit payment.

Payroll taxes with different deadlines include:

1. Federal Unemployment Taxes (FUTA)
2. Federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)

1. Federal Unemployment Taxes (FUTA)

FUTA is a tax employers pay to fund unemployment programs. These taxes are not withheld from employee wages.

FUTA is usually due quarterly, but the due date depends on your business’s tax liability for the current quarter.

2. Federal income taxes and FICA tax

Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes support federal Medicare and Social Security programs. FICA is a tax that is split between employers and employees, so employers must withhold their employees’ share.

Federal withholding taxes and FICA are due at the same time. However, that due date depends on your business; the IRS will tell you when to pay taxes.

You’ll follow either a semiweekly or monthly deposit schedule. FYI, you don’t get to choose the schedule; it’s based on a lookback period. Generally:

• If your business paid $50,000 or less in employment taxes, you pay monthly. Payments are due by the 15th day of the following month.
• If your business pays more than $50,000 in employment taxes, you pay on a semiweekly schedule based on your payday.
  • If your payday is on Wednesday, Thursday and/or Friday, you must deposit these taxes by the following Wednesday.
  • If your payday is on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and/or Tuesday, you must deposit these taxes by the following Friday.

How to prepare your taxes

Work with a certified accountant (CPA) to make sure you file your business tax returns by the deadline. A tax preparer ensures your taxes are complete and accurate. They may also know potential tax deductions specific to your business and changes to laws during the tax year to help you reduce what you owe.

Your accountant or tax preparer can also help store and track your business receipts. In the event of an audit, you’ll need to prove that your deductions are legitimate. Good bookkeeping helps ensure your small business doesn’t lose out on a potential write-off that could work in your favor.

To keep your small business on track, don’t wait until the business tax deadline to do everything. Start the process early so you’ll have the opportunity to claim deductions and avoid penalties and interest.

Common self-employed and business deductions

There are several tax credits and deductions that self-employed workers and independent contractors can claim. Generally, you can deduct ordinary and necessary expenses to run your business.

Here are a few examples of small business tax deductions:

• Transportation. You can claim those costs if you own or rent a business vehicle, including mileage. You may also claim the expenses related to the business use of your personal vehicle.
• Utilities. Your overhead costs, including commercial rent, electricity and telecommunications, may qualify as business expenses.
• Insurance. You can claim the cost of your business insurance as a tax deduction. The insurance tax deduction applies as long as the coverage is for your business or trade.
• Retirement accounts. If you establish savings or retirement plans out of your business for yourself or your employees, you may be able to deduct this as a business expense.

You can also claim small business insurance as a tax deduction. This is great news because not only can business insurance protect your business in key vulnerable places, but it can also lower your taxable income. Here are some common business insurance policies that many small business owners can reasonably claim:

• Workers’ compensation insurance: Many states require this form of insurance if you have employees. This covers injuries and lost compensation related to on-the-job injuries.
• General liability insurance: Covers damages and injuries to others, including property or bodies of non-employees.
• Professional liability insurance: Use this coverage if you’re in an industry that requires professional decision-making that could cause harm. For example, a fitness trainer gives advice on an exercise but is accused of causing an injury.
• Commercial property insurance: If you rent or own commercial property, this coverage covers the structure and items inside it, such as inventory and equipment.
• Commercial auto insurance: Use this coverage for your commercial vehicles. This covers accident-related costs like repairs.

Keep track of everything you spend to run your business — those expenses may be deductible. Consult with a tax professional to make sure you remain in compliance.

Learn more about tax deductions for independent contractors.

How NEXT helps small business owners

NEXT provides an easy online option for business insurance for more than 1,300 types of small businesses and self-employed professionals. (Business insurance can be a tax write-off; consult a licensed tax professional to determine your eligibility.)

Answer a few questions, get a quote, purchase coverage and get your certificate of insurance in less than 10 minutes. Access your policy 24/7 via web and mobile app.

Start a free quote with NEXT today.

Next Insurance does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors for personalized guidance.