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Critical December Tax Deadlines for Individuals in 2025

This December, important tax obligations include strategic year-end planning, tip income reporting, required IRA withdrawals, and settling final deductible expenses for 2025.

December 1 - Initiate Your Year-End Tax Strategy Image 3

The beginning of December marks the critical period for year-end tax planning. Taxpayers experiencing significant income fluctuations, changes in marital or dependent status, or those involved in property sales during 2025 should schedule a tax consultation to optimize their tax positions.

December 10 - Tip Declaration Deadline

Employees who have accumulated more than $20 in tips during November must report these to their employers using IRS Form 4070 by December 10. Employers must then withhold appropriate FICA and income taxes from regular wages. In cases where wages are insufficient to cover withholdings, the uncollected amount will be reported in box 8 of your W-2. It's your responsibility to cover this shortfall when filing your tax return.

December 31 - Mandatory IRA Distributions Image 2

If you were born before January 1, 1952, December 31 is your last chance to withdraw funds from a Traditional IRA without incurring penalties. Those who turned 73 in 2025 can delay the required minimum distribution until April 1, 2026. Ensure your financial institution facilitates this transaction well before year-end.

December 31 - Deadline for 2025 Deductible Expense Payments

Ensure all deductible expenses for 2025 are paid by December 31 to qualify for this year's tax return. Note, however, contributions to IRAs, SEPs, or Keogh plans can still be made post-December 31, 2025.

December 31 - End-of-Year Timing Considerations

Actions requiring more than a day, or transactions with financial institutions that may close early, should be completed before December 31 to prevent last-minute challenges.

Deferred Dates: Weekends & Holidays

Should any deadline fall on a weekend or legal holiday, it extends to the next business day. This ensures deadlines accommodate regular holiday closures without penalty.

Disaster Area Extensions

In federally declared disaster areas, filing deadlines are extended. Visit FEMA and IRS websites for specific regional extensions and filing relief information.

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