Tax Guides and Checklists

Stay on top of important filing dates throughout the year

• Individual tax returns due April 15, 2025
• Q1 estimated payments due April 15, 2025
• Q2 estimated payments due June 16, 2025 (June 15 falls on Sunday)
• Q3 estimated payments due September 15, 2025
• Q4 estimated payments due January 15, 2026
• Business tax returns (partnerships, S-Corps) due March 15, 2025
• Extended returns due October 15, 2025

What you'll need for tax preparation

• Photo ID and Social Security cards for all family members
• Prior year tax return
• W-2s from all employers
• 1099s (interest, dividends, retirement distributions, contractor payments)
• 1098s (mortgage interest, student loan interest)
• K-1s from partnerships or S-Corps
• Records of estimated tax payments made
• Charitable contribution receipts
• Business income and expense records (if self-employed)
• Health insurance documents (1095-A, B, or C)

Essential information for self-employed professionals

• Who needs to pay: Generally those expecting to owe $1,000+ in taxes
• Payment dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15 of following year
• How to calculate: Use Form 1040ES or prior year safe harbor rule
• Safe harbor: Pay 100% of last year's tax (110% if AGI > $150,000)
• Methods to pay: Online via EFTPS, by phone, or mail with vouchers
• Penalties: Applied if payments are late or insufficient
• Self-employment tax: Don't forget the additional 15.3% SE tax on net earnings

What businesses need to know about contractor reporting

• Threshold: $600 or more paid to non-employee for services
• Form required: 1099-NEC for non-employee compensation
• Get W-9 first: Collect contractor's tax information before paying
• Due dates: 1099s due to recipients by January 31, to IRS by February 28 (March 31 if e-filing)
• Penalties: $50-$270+ per form for late filing
• Exceptions: Payments to corporations generally exempt
• State requirements: Check if your state requires additional reporting