Tax Day 2025: Filing Deadline, Refund Insights, and What You Still Need to Know

April 15, 2025 is officially Tax Day—the final deadline for most Americans to file their 2024 federal income tax returns. As taxpayers across the country hit "submit" or rush to file extensions, the IRS has shared key updates on filing trends, refund sizes, and outstanding opportunities for past-year filers.

At Bizora, we know how critical this date is for small businesses, self-employed professionals, and their advisors. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s tax season wrap-up—and what actions you can still take if you're behind.

IRS Filing Update: Over 101 Million Returns Received

As of early April, the IRS has received more than 101 million tax returns, slightly down from 2024 levels. While the agency expects millions more to be filed today, taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas—such as those affected by Hurricane Helene—have an automatic extension until May 1, 2025.

If you’re not in an affected area and haven’t filed yet, today is the deadline to avoid late-filing penalties unless you submit Form 4868 to request an automatic six-month extension (to October 15).

Refunds Are Up in 2025—Here’s Why

The average tax refund in 2025 is larger than last year, thanks to:

• Inflation-adjusted tax brackets

• A higher standard deduction ($13,850 in 2024 → $15,000 in 2025 for single filers)

• Expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit thresholds

  
  

These changes have helped offset higher living costs and delivered more cash back to many middle-income households.

If you’ve already filed and are waiting on your refund, use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check your status.

Still Haven’t Filed for 2021? You Might Be Leaving Money on the Table

In a separate announcement, the IRS revealed that more than $1 billion in unclaimed 2021 refunds are still available. If you didn’t file a return for 2021, the three-year window to claim your refund closes on April 15, 2025.

This means today is the last chance to file a late 2021 return and receive any refund due.

What to Do If You Can’t File or Pay on Time

Even if you’re not ready or able to pay your tax bill today, the IRS urges taxpayers to:

• File on time to avoid late-filing penalties (which are higher than late-payment penalties)

• Pay what you can, and use IRS Direct Pay for fast processing

• Set up a payment plan using the IRS’s Online Payment Agreement tool

Filing an extension (Form 4868) gives you time to file your return, but not to delay your tax payment.

How Bizora Can Help During Tax Season and Beyond

At Bizora, we help business owners, freelancers, and tax professionals simplify filing, stay compliant, and plan smarter:

• Final-hour tax prep support

• Payment plan guidance

• Estimated tax planning for Q2

• Compliance tools for small business owners and CPAs

  
  

Whether you’re finishing this year’s return or preparing for next quarter, we’re here to help.

Still Need Help? It’s Not Too Late

Filing today—or securing an extension—can help you avoid costly penalties and keep your business in good standing. If you’re unsure what to do, we can guide you through the next steps.

Visit bizora.ai to access filing support, deadline checklists, and compliance insights tailored to your tax needs.