Essential December 2025 Tax Deadlines and Tips

December marks a crucial time for end-of-year tax strategies, and as you wrap up 2025, there are key due dates and actions to keep in mind. This month’s tax obligations encompass year-end planning, tip documentation, necessary IRA distributions, and the finalization of deductible payments for the year.Image 3

December 1 - Kickstart Your Year-End Tax Planning

The opening of December is the perfect time to reassess and finalize your tax strategies that can influence your 2025 fiscal results. Clients experiencing substantial income changes, shifts in marital or dependent status, or property transactions in 2025 are encouraged to organize a consultative tax session to optimize their year-end planning.

December 10 - Deadline to Report Your Tips

Employees earning tips exceeding $20 in November should report these to their employer using IRS Form 4070 by December 10. Employers must withhold applicable FICA and income taxes from your regular wages. If regular wages cannot cover these withholdings, the unreported amounts will be noted on your W-2 form, necessitating settlement during your tax filing.Image 1

December 31 - Ensure Mandatory IRA Withdrawals Are Processed

Individuals born before January 1, 1952, must finalize withdrawals from Traditional IRA accounts by December 31 to avoid penalties. For those turning 73 in 2025, while the first required distribution applies to this tax year, it may be deferred to April 1, 2026. Confirm with your financial institution that withdrawals are processed timely, especially if they may be closed on December 31.

December 31 - Act on Deductible Expenses

Ensure you settle deductible expenses by December 31 for them to reflect on your 2025 tax return. This deadline excludes IRA, SEP, or Keogh contributions, which remain valid post-year-end.

Year-End Considerations and Cautions

While some financial institutions might operate with altered schedules on December 31, ensure any plans requiring extended processing time are handled well in advance to circumvent potential disruptions.

Contingency Planning for Weekends & Holidays

Should any due dates coincide with weekends or federal holidays, anticipate automatic extensions to the subsequent business day that isn’t a legal holiday.

Extension in Disaster-Prone Areas

Designated disaster areas may receive extended due dates. Verify your area’s status through these resources:
FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .