Essential September 2025 Tax Deadlines for Individuals

Stay informed about crucial September 2025 tax deadlines including tip reporting and estimated tax payments. This guide will delve into safe harbor rules, penalty avoidance strategies, and effective tax planning for 2026.

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2025 Fall and 2026 Tax Planning

Schedule a consultation with our office to tailor your tax preparations for optimal benefits.

September 10 - Report Tips to Employer

If you are a tipped employee and received over $20 in tips during August, you must report them to your employer using IRS Form 4070 by September 10. Your employer is obligated to withhold FICA and income taxes from your wages. If your wages aren’t sufficient, the uncollected tax will be noted in box 8 of your W-2. Payment will be required when filing your annual return.

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September 15 - Estimated Tax Payment Due

Your third installment for the 2025 individual estimated taxes is due on this date. Under our “pay-as-you-earn” system, taxpayers can meet requirements via:

  • Payroll withholding for employees;

  • Pension withholding for retirees;

  • Estimated tax payments for the self-employed and others with non-withheld income sources.

Failure to prepay a safe harbor amount results in an underpayment penalty, calculated at the federal short-term rate plus three points on a quarterly basis.

Federal law permits penalty avoidance if underpayments are below $1,000. Safe harbor prepayments are defined by:

  • 90% of the current year's tax liability;

  • 100% of last year’s tax liability (or 110% for incomes exceeding $150,000, or $75,000 if filing separately).

Example: If your total tax is $10,000 and prepayments total $5,600, you owe $4,400. Safe harbor requires prepayments of $9,000 (90% of $10,000), so you're initially liable for a penalty. However, if last year’s tax was $5,000 and you prepaid $5,600, you meet the 110% rule, avoiding the penalty.

This underscores the necessity for adequate prepayments, especially with increases in income from sales of assets or bonuses. Meeting each estimated tax deadline is vital for penalty exceptions. If unsure about your estimates, consult our office promptly.

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Important Note: State rules for de minimis amounts and safe harbor estimates may differ from federal guidelines. Contact us to understand specific state regulations.

Weekends & Legal Holidays: If a due date coincides with a weekend or a legal holiday, the deadline extends to the next working day.

Disaster Area Extensions: For areas designated as disaster zones, deadlines are extended. For current disaster area designations and applicable extensions, visit:

FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations

IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

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