Essential Tax Deadlines for December 2025

This crucial month signals the final countdown for tax-related activities, encompassing year-end planning, tip reporting, IRA withdrawals, and final deductible payments for 2025.

December 1 - Crucial Preparations for Year-End Tax Planning

As we approach the close of 2025, now is the time for strategic actions that could influence your tax outcomes. If significant income fluctuations occurred this year, if there were changes in marital or dependent status, or if you sold property, it's prudent to schedule a tax planning consultation.

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December 10 - Essential Reporting of Tips to Employers

Employees who earned over $20 in tips during November need to report these to their employers by December 10 using IRS Form 4070. Employers must withhold FICA and income taxes from wages for these tips. Insufficient regular wages to cover these taxes will result in uncollected withholding being reported in box 8 of your W-2, payable when filing your annual return.

December 31 - Mandatory IRA Withdrawals Deadline

For individuals born before January 1, 1952, December 31 marks the last day to make mandatory withdrawals from a Traditional IRA to avoid penalties. Those reaching 73 this year must make their first distribution in 2025, but have the option to defer until April 1, 2026. Ensure withdrawal arrangements if your IRA institution is closed on December 31.

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December 31 - Deadline for 2025 Deductible Expenses

This is the last opportunity to pay deductible expenses affecting your 2025 tax return. Note, IRA, SEP, or Keogh contributions are exceptions as they can be made past December 31, 2025.

December 31 - Awareness: Year-End Preparations

If your intended actions cannot be completed on December 31 or within a single day, it’s advisable to act sooner, as some financial institutions may close this day.

Weekend & Holiday Considerations:

If a due date is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, it’s automatically extended to the next business day that is not a legal holiday.

Disaster Area Extensions:

If designated a disaster area, due dates extend. Check FEMA and IRS websites for location-specific extensions:
FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

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