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Key September Tax Deadlines for 2025

September 2025 brings critical tax deadlines for individuals, including vital dates for tip reporting and estimated tax payments. This period is ideal for familiarizing yourself with safe harbor rules to prevent penalties and implementing strategies to seamlessly transition into the 2026 tax season.

Preparing for 2025 Fall Tax Duties and 2026 Planning

To streamline your tax planning, contact our office to arrange a consultation. Our team is ready to help you navigate through the intricacies of tax compliance.

September 10 - Reporting Tips to Your Employer Image 1

For employees compensated through tips, if your August earnings exceed $20, you're required to report these tips to your employer by September 10 using IRS Form 4070. Employers must withhold FICA taxes and income tax on these tips. Should your regular wages fall short of covering these withholdings, the uncollected amounts will appear in Box 8 of your W-2, which you are responsible for when filing your annual tax return.

September 15 - Estimated Tax Payment Due

The third installment for 2025's individual estimated taxes is due. The "pay-as-you-earn" framework of the tax system encourages consistent prepayments. This is achievable through mechanisms like:

  • Employee payroll withholding;
  • Pension withholding for retirees;
  • Estimated tax payments for the self-employed and other income sources without withholding.

Non-compliance with adequate prepayment can incur an underpayment penalty, generally calculated as the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points on a quarterly basis.

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Avoid this penalty by adhering to the de minimis amount and safe harbor prepayments such as:

  • Current year tax safe harbor: At least 90% of the current year’s tax must be prepaid.
  • Prior year tax safe harbor: Prepay 100% of the previous year’s tax, increasing to 110% for AGIs exceeding $150,000 ($75,000 if married and filing separately).
Example: If your tax liability is $10,000 with $5,600 in prepayments, this falls short of the $9,000 needed under the first safe harbor. Still, if your prior year’s tax was $5,000, prepaying $5,600 permits you to meet the second safe harbor and avoid penalties. Timely Payments are Crucial

This example shows the crucial nature of predictable prepayments, especially when experiencing significant income shifts from asset sales, bonuses, or retirement. Ensure timely estimated tax payments to circumvent penalties. For guidance on safe harbor estimates, reach out to us immediately.

Note on State-Specific Rules: State rules on de minimis amounts and safe harbor estimates may vary from federal regulations. Consult our office for specific state guidelines.

Impact of Weekends, Holidays, and Disaster Area Extensions Image 3

Deadlines that coincide with weekends or legal holidays automatically extend to the next business day. Designated disaster areas receive due date extensions; for current declarations and extensions, visit FEMA and the IRS newsrooms.

Our Scottsdale-based team, serving the Southwest and beyond, endeavors to eliminate tax headaches by ensuring a proactive and strategy-driven approach to your tax obligations. Let us guide you towards financial clarity and tax readiness.

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