Key Tax Deadlines in December 2025 You Must Know

As the year draws to a close, it’s crucial to focus on specific tax deadlines that can have significant implications for your 2025 tax return. This month’s reminders include critical year-end planning actions, tip reporting obligations, mandatory IRA withdrawals, and final deductible payments you should not overlook.

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December 1 - Initiate Your Year-End Tax Planning

Start December by reviewing your annual financial situation. Whether you've experienced substantial changes in income, marital status, or property sales during 2025, it’s the time to schedule your tax planning consultation to optimize your tax outcome.

December 10 - Tip Reporting Deadline

Employees who earn tips exceeding $20 in November need to report them to their employer using IRS Form 4070 by December 10. Employers are obligated to withhold FICA and income taxes from your usual wages for these tips. Insufficient wages to cover these withholdings will result in an uncollected tax amount noted in box 8 of your year-end W-2. You must address any unpaid tax when filing your 2025 return.

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December 31 - Final Day for Mandatory IRA Withdrawals

If you were born before January 1, 1952, or reached age 73 in 2025, December 31 is your deadline to take required minimum distributions from your Traditional IRA. You can opt to delay your first distribution to April 1, 2026, but be mindful of your responsible withdrawal arrangements if financial institutions are closed on this day.

December 31 - Pay Attention to Deductible Expenses

Settle your 2025 deductible expenses by December 31 to ensure they’re counted for this tax year. Exceptions apply to certain contributions like IRA, SEP, and Keogh, which are allowable past December 31, 2025.

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December 31 - Anticipate Financial Institution Closures

If unable to complete necessary financial actions by December 31 or within a single day, consider acting sooner. Financial institutions may be closed when you need them most.

Adapting to Weekends & Holidays

Should a deadline fall on a weekend or a legal holiday, the due date will naturally shift to the next business day.

Understanding Disaster Area Extensions

For those in designated disaster zones, deadlines may be extended. Confirm current designations and relevant adjustments by visiting the FEMA and IRS Disaster Relief websites for full details.

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