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December 2025 Tax Deadlines and Planning Tips

As we approach the end of the fiscal year, it’s essential to stay informed about key tax deadlines and strategies for optimizing your tax position for 2025. This month's reminders focus on year-end tax planning, tip reporting, IRA mandatory withdrawals, and final deductible expense payments.

December 1 - Year-End Tax Strategy Kick-off

December marks a critical period for implementing last-minute strategies that can impact your 2025 tax outcome. Whether you've experienced significant income changes, marital status shifts, or property sales, scheduling a tax planning session is crucial.

December 10 - Deadline for Reporting Tips to Employers

Employees who earned more than $20 in tips during November are required to report them to their employer using IRS Form 4070 by December 10. Employers must withhold FICA and income taxes accordingly. If your regular wages fall short of covering these withholdings, this will be reflected in box 8 on your W-2 form for the year, and you'll be responsible for settling any outstanding amounts when filing your return.

December 31 - Mandatory Traditional IRA Withdrawals

The final day to withdraw from a Traditional IRA account without incurring a penalty, if you were born before January 1, 1952. Those who reached age 73 in 2025, with a birthdate between January 1, 1952, and December 31, 1952, can delay the first required distribution until April 1, 2026. For practitioners, ensuring clients are aware of this deadline is vital to prevent unnecessary penalties.

December 31 - Settling Deductible Expenses for 2025

This is the last opportunity to pay deductible expenses applicable to the 2025 tax return, excluding IRA, SEP, or Keogh contributions, which may be made after December 31, 2025. It's advisable to complete these transactions promptly, as some financial institutions may have adjusted schedules during the holiday period.

December 31 - End-of-Year Considerations

For actions not finalizable on December 31, initiate them earlier to avoid complications from holiday closures. Strategizing beforehand can ensure that all necessary steps are completed efficiently.

Weekend & Holiday Adjustments

If a deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, extensions are available until the next business day. It's important to confirm these dates to maintain compliance and take advantage of appropriate extensions where applicable.

Extended Deadlines for Disaster Areas

In designated disaster areas, tax filing deadlines are extended. For updates on affected regions and new filing dates, refer to the following resources:

FEMA
IRS

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